Historical Linchpin



Matthew 11:7-19
7As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
8What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’
11Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.
13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John,
14and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.
15He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
16“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,
17“ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

As John’s disciples walk away to carry their message back to their imprisoned leader, Jesus takes a moment to discuss the importance of John’s ministry and his historical impact upon the world. The plan of salvation was foraged long before God even built the universe. Contrary to what some inside of Christendom are teaching, God is not making this up as He goes along. There is a greater plan in the works and John the Baptist comes along in fulfillment of a piece of that plan.

Generation earlier, the prophet Malachi speaks of John’s arrival on the scene. It is an important prophecy for in its fulfillment is the advent of the Messiah.  Malachi 3:1 says, “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.” When John arrives on the scene it means that the Messiah cannot be far behind. And as it turned out that was true for Jesus begins His ministry 6 months after John began his. John, acting as the best man at the wedding of Christ and His bride, the church, comes to announce that the Kingdom of God has arrived! The time is now.

Jesus makes a couple of statements about John that perhaps need a moment of thought. First, Jesus asks the crowd why they took the time to go out into the desert to see John. Was it because He was just a gentle breeze or because he was dressed richly? Of course not. It was his bold message that drew people out to the Jordan River. His message had impact and importance; even if that wasn’t completely understood by his hearers. Then Jesus declares that John was one of the greatest people ever born and that he was the least of all. Again with the dichotomies! John was great because he was the fulfillment of the beginning of the end. His appearance on the historical stage announces the arrival of the promised One – the Messiah. And yet he is the least of all, for anyone who believes in the Lord Jesus as their Savior has become great. John is also called “Elijah”. We need to be careful here, as we in no way want to appear to support the idea of reincarnation. John was not a reborn Elijah. But he was the final Old Testament prophet who declares the exact same message as all of those prophets of old. “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (And yes, most scholars would place John into the role of Old Testament prophet even though his story appears in the New Testament.)

When taken as an overall picture, you cannot help but marvel at the story that God has been weaving for us over the centuries. All of it comes together with brilliant clarity and perfection. John was an integral part of that story and Jesus takes note of his participation.

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