As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces! But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way before You.’
Matthew 11:7-10 (NASB1995)
As I read and meditated upon today’s scripture about John the Baptist, I initially struggled to find an application to learn from it. I was inspired to persist by what our Lord says in the next verse (11): “Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” With the fact that John was the greatest amongst men in my mind, I persevered with our scripture, and it was rewarding.
The Lord certainly speaks of John in the most glowing terms, which makes this portion of scripture quite significant. I had not previously appreciated the three repeated “what did you go out to see,” which highlight the three ways that people may have seen John – all which were inaccurate.
He was not “a reed shaken by the wind” – an image which rural folk would understand. John was steady, standing strong in God’s Word and the mission he was given. He was not “a man dressed in soft clothing” – an image of wealth and luxury being enjoyed. Instead, John led a sober life of simple obedience to God. The final point was partially right, though; they might have gone to see a prophet, but Christ says that John “was one who is more than a prophet.” He was a faithful servant, a messenger of Almighty God who sent him.
Dear Reader, we can learn from the highly esteemed man of God, John the Baptist. Read our Lord’s account of him prayerfully, and you will see that he is a challenge to our faith – are we faithful? Let us examine ourselves daily to see that we are sober and steady in our service of God. May His Spirit and Word guide us today.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
Comments are closed.