7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What, then, did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What, then, did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
11 “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and violent people take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John came, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 Let anyone with ears listen” Matthew 11:7-15!
Verses 7–15 are the mirror opposite of (vss. 2–6). Just as John, by asking a question, brought to light the true identity of Jesus, so now it is Jesus who poses a series of questions in order to reveal the true identity of John. And just as Jesus explained his messianic mission by alluding to Scripture, so now he explains the preparatory mission of John by referencing Scripture. The parallels are significant, for each in his own way is described as “one who is to come” (Jesus, 11:3; John, 11:14).
(11:7–9) Once the messengers set off with an answer for John, Jesus questions the crowds about their interest in John. The reader must remember that John had drawn people out to the wilderness from miles around (3:1, 5). This was no small feat. Many traveled great distances; the terrain was difficult; provisions had to be hauled along; and for most, the trip home was a grueling uphill climb out of the Jordan valley. Something more than mere curiosity brought people out to see this desert preacher.
But what? Jesus presses for an answer by probing the crowds directly. First, he asks whether pilgrims came to see a reed swayed by the wind. Many think this refers to a people pleaser, to someone who is easily swayed by the opinions of others and who tells them whatever they want to hear. But this would not be an accurate characterization of John. He was thrust into prison for speaking the truth when it was unpopular and dangerous
(see 14:3–4). Likewise, John hardly fits the description of a pampered prince who lounges around in fine clothing.
On the contrary, John wrapped his body in rough animal “hide, and his meals were insects and wild honey (3:4). John knew nothing at all of worldly luxury.
The third question asks if John was perceived as a prophet. This is a description that fits quite well, yet Jesus declares him to be more than a prophet. Why? Because John not only prophesied the coming of the Messiah but was himself a fulfillment of prophecy.
(11:10) Jesus demonstrates this by quoting the Old Testament. The citation consists of two separate verses cut and pasted together. The first — Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you — is taken verbatim from the Septuagint translation of Exod. 23:20. The second — he will prepare your way before you — is a rendering of the Hebrew text of Mal. 3:1. Both passages tell us that John played a crucial role in readying Israel for the Messiah. The Exodus quote, which concerns Israel’s march to the land of Canaan, suggests that John was leading Israel to a new promised land of messianic redemption. The oracle of Malachi indicates that John was preparing his people to meet the Lord. In fact, the context of Malachi’s declaration suggests that the one who prepares the way will be Elijah come again (see Mal. 3:23). Matthew’s readers will not be surprised to hear this, for they have already seen John dressed like Elijah (compare 3:4 with 2 Kings 1:8), and they first encountered John at the Jordan River, which is the very place where Elijah was last seen centuries earlier (compare 3:6 with 2 Kings 2:6–12). But just in case these hints are too subtle, Jesus comes out and tells us that John is Elijah, the one who is to come. The point is not that John is Elijah himself but that his prophetic mission is like Elijah’s. Luke’s Gospel captures this by saying that John comes “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17).
Friends, John is someone to admire and model your life after. His life wasn’t about himself, but about Jesus Christ. For John the Baptizer, Jesus was everything! Today let us pray for each other, that this too will be our life.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
From the Bible:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:2.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” Matthew 6:33.
“29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel” John 1:29-31.
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