Slices
Prepare
Give thanks to God for those who pastor you, pray for you and prepared your heart to receive Jesus.
Bible passage
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness 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 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever 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 subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding 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. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.
16 ‘To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the market-places and calling out to others:
17 ‘“We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.”
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon.” 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.’
Explore
John the Baptist is the best ‘best man’, rejoicing in the union of Christ the bridegroom with his beautiful bride without seeking any glory himself (John 3:29). But as leaders, he and Jesus are at odds with their generation (vs 16–19).
In one of his letters, the apostle John shows us two contrasting church leaders: Diotrephes, who wants to be in control, is playing power games and makes a mockery of kingdom leadership; Demetrius, in contrast, is well spoken of by everyone. What do the ‘voices’ at the front of your church sound like? Can you identify integrity, authenticity, forgiveness, generosity, acceptance and honouring of all people?
The leaders of John’s generation (such as the Pharisees) are more like Diotrephes. Pious outside, ‘full of greed and wickedness’ on the inside (Luke 11:39–42). John, though, is humble, ready to retire now that one greater than himself has come (John 1:30). He is the last of the Old Testament prophets (vs 9,10), his rigorous lifestyle the holiest of the old covenant (vs 18) – but he misses out on the intimacy of the new covenant (v 19). Even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist (v 11)!
Respond
You have been born again into the kingdom of God: ‘ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven’ (HF Lyte, 1834). Sing his praise!
Deeper Bible study
What blessings do you have as a Christian? Spend some time listing them and giving thanks for all you possess in Christ.
Despite John the Baptist having doubts, as we read yesterday, Jesus makes it clear he had a very high view of John. He was no commonplace, ordinary man, as unremarkable as reeds swaying by the River Jordan. He was far more significant: more important even than a king or any of the prophets before him, for John was the special prophet (like Elijah) who Malachi foretold would come before the day of the Lord.1
Despite John’s importance, Jesus stunned the crowd by saying that every believer, no matter how insignificant they feel, is greater than the Baptist. We are all in possession of blessings John did not get to see. We have the teachings of Jesus; we know about his death and resurrection – and the forgiveness these bring. We live in days when the Holy Spirit gifts and equips all God’s people, not just a few special ones like John the Baptist and the prophets before him. Just allow Jesus’ staggering statement to sink in: John was great, but we are greater in the kingdom than he! Do we believe this?
Yet despite all these blessings, many still reject Jesus. He talks of ‘violent people’ raiding the kingdom (v 12). Many scholars believe this is a negative expression to do with people’s opposition to the kingdom rather than their zeal for it. This fits with Jesus’ comments that those who are not open to the gospel will always find something objectionable about it – just as people objected to John’s message of judgement, yet were also unhappy with Jesus’ message of forgiveness and grace. We often, quite legitimately, seek to make our message more accessible to others, but verses 18 and 19 remind us that we cannot always win people over. Do we sometimes try too hard to make the gospel appeal?
Dear Lord, we are sorry when we do not appreciate all you have done for us, the blessings you bring and how much you love and value us.
1 Mal 4:5
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Esther 4,5; Luke 11
Pray for Scripture Union
This week's prayers relate to this story. Pray too for God to prompt church youth and children’s leaders across the country to prayerfully consider who they might put forward for the next Amplify course in 2022.
