Matthew 11:7 – As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 8 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. 9 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 10 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way before you.’

11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. 13 For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. 14 And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. 15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! (NLT) 

These verses follow a passage in which John the Baptist was in prison.  John had sent word to Jesus asking if he was indeed the one of whom he preached.  His questions were honest, and considering his circumstances, understandable.  When we find ourselves in dire situations, we, too, may ask if Jesus truly saves.

Jesus understood that his followers were questioning John in their hearts, so Jesus praised John for his ministry.  Then he tells them that even as great as John’s ministry was, he and his ministry were less than the least in the kingdom of heaven.  This was in no way a cheapening of John’s ministry, for Jesus even tells us in verse fourteen that John had the spirit of Elijah, the one who would proclaim that the Messiah had come.

What Jesus was saying was that in the fullness of the kingdom, which Jesus would usher in with his death and resurrection, what came before was but a shadow of things to come.  Jesus states in verse thirteen that all their history was lived looking forward to the kingdom, and Jesus would bring it.

Jesus has brought it!  We are living in the best of times, for we can realize the kingdom.  We can live without questioning the kingdom, for Jesus has opened it for us.  Are we living like we have been given the kingdom?  Are we living confident in the promise that has been given to us? We should be! We should be living with confidence.  Chapter five of the Book of Romans speaks of this confidence and this hope.  Paul wrote: “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”  (Romans 5:5-6).

The one of whom John the Baptist preached has come, and our hope is secure!  Today, let us live confidently, not matter what trials we may face.

Posted by Ramón Torres