High Honor

Matthew 11:7-14 As 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? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what 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: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 I 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. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.”
 
HERE is a quick summary of our readings to date.
   We first refer again to the prophet Malachi, who spoke the last prophetic words to Israel centuries before John was born. “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.” (Malachi 4:5) Elijah had performed several nature-changing miracles in God’s power including a resurrection and a multiplication of food. His life on earth ended when he was taken to Heaven in the Lord’s Chariot of Fire about 400 years before Malachi prophesied. (2 Kings 2) Because of Malachi’s words and Elijah’s life story, Israel wondered, “Would Elijah return?” 
   Luke 1 then tells us John would be born in the spirit and power of Elijah. Born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, John fulfilled God’s ordained steps to bring the Kingdom of God to earth. The Spirit anointed John to prophesy the Messiah, preach repentance and baptize those confessing sins. John 1:15 “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me…26 I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
   Then Jesus came. The Holy Spirit used John to baptize Jesus. Jesus defeated Satan in the Wilderness. The Spirit anointed the Son to preach the good news (Luke 4:18), and Jesus began a powerful preaching, teaching and healing ministry in Galilee.
   Now John’s ministry ends, and Jesus’ ministry becomes central in Israel. The Son of God then wanted Israel to know three things: First, speaking of John, he said, “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” Jesus exalted John’s role in the human race above all people.
   Second, he wanted Israel to know, “Yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.” Kingdom citizenship is greater than any earthly role. No thing or person is more important than one born again into the Kingdom of Heaven. No one can violate your citizenship under the King’s authority. You are his forever.
   Third, Jesus wanted Israel to know the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. People did not go to the desert to see a weak person, “seeker friendly” swayed by public opinion. They went to see a man of God to hear the message from God. The Jews who went to John were not interested in earthly things but the truth of God’s Kingdom.
   The Lord’s plans and purposes are unrelenting. He will accomplish what he wills in power and authority. Each of us called to faith in Jesus have a great role to fulfill for the King.