Scripture Reflections--Matthew 11:7-15
7As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces.
Lord Jesus--The People followed John into the Judean desert for many reasons. Some followed because of the spectacle. A man who was standing against a system that left no place for a man of God to be but in the desert. Some followed because that sensed that there was going to be a change which they longed for. They could connect with the power of John's message, they could understand that John was a man of God...they may have even surmised that he was just the leading edge of a change that would sweep across their world.
9Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'[c] 11I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Lord Jesus--You were pointing people to the real mission of John, his job given to him by God was one of a revivalist, a person who pointed people back to the work of God. That work was not about temple building or palaces populated with people wearing fine clothes, but obedience, heart change and being willing to stand toe to toe with a corrupt system and call it to accountability.
You remind me this morning of the heart call of Your Kingdom to my encrusted heart. A call to obedience that springs not from any other motivation than to do what you have called me to do.These are words of hi
gh praise you gave to the person who stood at the close of the old covenant while heralding in the new. Yet anyone who participates in the kingdom of God...who has given their heart to you, and actively seeks your direction has gone farther than John could go.
12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15He who has ears, let him hear.
John was the climax, the crescendo of the old covenant and all the work that had gone into its progression and advance. John was the Prophet's prophet...all the rest as great as they were did not fulfill the role of messenger before the Messiah. In a way they all stood behind John...
Lord Jesus--John had a role to fulfill he was the one who went before you and announced your coming. He prepared the hearts of the people for the continued outpouring that would come in your ministry. As his disciples were leaving you affirmed John's completion of his mission...this was your "Well done good and faithful servant" to John who was questioning his own work in a prison cell in Herod's dungeon.
Lord Jesus--Help me to be faithful to the role that you have given me to fulfill in this day I long to obey from the heart. Give me the courage and endurance to listen and obey today.
7As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces.
Lord Jesus--The People followed John into the Judean desert for many reasons. Some followed because of the spectacle. A man who was standing against a system that left no place for a man of God to be but in the desert. Some followed because that sensed that there was going to be a change which they longed for. They could connect with the power of John's message, they could understand that John was a man of God...they may have even surmised that he was just the leading edge of a change that would sweep across their world.
9Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'[c] 11I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Lord Jesus--You were pointing people to the real mission of John, his job given to him by God was one of a revivalist, a person who pointed people back to the work of God. That work was not about temple building or palaces populated with people wearing fine clothes, but obedience, heart change and being willing to stand toe to toe with a corrupt system and call it to accountability.
You remind me this morning of the heart call of Your Kingdom to my encrusted heart. A call to obedience that springs not from any other motivation than to do what you have called me to do.These are words of hi
gh praise you gave to the person who stood at the close of the old covenant while heralding in the new. Yet anyone who participates in the kingdom of God...who has given their heart to you, and actively seeks your direction has gone farther than John could go.12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15He who has ears, let him hear.
John was the climax, the crescendo of the old covenant and all the work that had gone into its progression and advance. John was the Prophet's prophet...all the rest as great as they were did not fulfill the role of messenger before the Messiah. In a way they all stood behind John...
Lord Jesus--John had a role to fulfill he was the one who went before you and announced your coming. He prepared the hearts of the people for the continued outpouring that would come in your ministry. As his disciples were leaving you affirmed John's completion of his mission...this was your "Well done good and faithful servant" to John who was questioning his own work in a prison cell in Herod's dungeon.
Lord Jesus--Help me to be faithful to the role that you have given me to fulfill in this day I long to obey from the heart. Give me the courage and endurance to listen and obey today.
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