Seeds for 08/14/2023 - Matthew 11:7-15
Scripture: 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? 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. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
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. 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. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Observation: Having been approached and questioned by John’s disciples, and having answered them, Jesus takes a moment to speak about John the Baptist as well.
John’s stature and faithfulness as God’s prophet are front and center, so let’s take a look at that focus.
Briefly, there were three offices in Israel in the Hebrew Bible: prophet, priest, and king. The king’s role was to lead the people in faithfulness to the covenant before God. The priest’s role was to represent the people to God, which is why they oversaw the offering of worship and sacrifices to God. And the prophet’s role was to represent God to the people, which is why the prophets spoke words of hope and promise as well as words of judgment and conviction.
This is why I love Jesus’ words about John: “What did you go out in the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? …A man dressed in fine clothes?”
John was certainly not a “reed swayed by the wind.” His preaching was demanding and convicting. He called sinners to repentance without regard for their status or station. Those who desired to know and be known by God received his “tough love.” Those with hardened or prideful hearts, like the religious leaders, argued with him. But he certainly wasn’t swayed by the wind. As we might say today, John didn’t stick his finger in the air to figure out what he should think.
As a prophet, John was clear on his role to “prepare the way” and on his message of repentance. Repentance acknowledges a deep truth about the Gospel—that we need to hear and come to grips with the bad news of our situation in order to be ready for the Good News of Jesus. Thank God for John, who loved God and the people enough to tell them the truth and in so doing, prepare them to meet the Lord.
Application:
When have you experienced conviction and recognized it as a gift leading you closer to God?
What else might the Holy Spirit be speaking with you about in the text today?
Prayer: Lord, speak the words of hope and of conviction that I need to hear. Help me to respond in humility and surrender. Amen.
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
If you liked this post from Seeds of Faith, why not share it and/or subscribe?
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™