Scripture Daily

Context No. 4145 of 4322 · Matthew

Context · Reflection

Matthew 11:7-15: in context

7As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. 10For this is he, of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come. 15He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Jesus praises John the Baptist in glowing terms: among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. John was the culmination of all the prophets, the forerunner who prepared the way for the Messiah. And yet Jesus adds a startling comparison: even the little ones in the kingdom of heaven are greater than he.

How can a little one in the kingdom be greater than John, than whom no one born of women was greater? Not in personal virtue or importance, but in privilege. John stood at the threshold, pointing to the Messiah who was coming; but those in the kingdom live on this side of the cross and resurrection, knowing the Christ John only announced, indwelt by the Spirit, adopted as God's children. They have entered into blessings John could only foretell. We may not think of ourselves as greater than John the Baptist, and in ourselves we are not. But through Christ, the humble believer has entered into a fullness of blessing that even the great prophets did not fully see.

Do I recognize the astonishing privilege of belonging to God's kingdom through Christ, entering into a fullness of blessing that even the great prophets did not fully see, and does that stir gratitude rather than my taking it for granted?

Sources