Matthew 11:2–11 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 11:2–11 on biblegateway.com
Verse 2When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples Verse 3and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Verse 4Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: Verse 5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. Verse 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."
Verse 7As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? Verse 8What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. Verse 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. Verse 10This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Verse 11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Devotion
John the Baptist is one of the most enigmatic figures in the gospels, and someone few of us likely endeavor to emulate. Not one dressed in soft robes or living in royal places. A prophet, and even more than a prophet. A forerunner, a messenger, a preparer of the way.
Those who wear soft robes are juxtaposed to genuine prophets in this passage. The one “among whom those born of women no one has arisen greater” is one crying out in wilderness places, where risk and revelation meet, diverting attention away from himself and toward one who is coming. One whose message is always: Expect something coming, wait with anticipation, repent and ready your hearts … the one who is coming is almost here!
And no one is greater than John the Baptist! Well, except the least in the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer
God, we give thanks for expectations turned upside down by the rule and reign of grace. May we, too, have our expectations turned upside down, as we wait for the coming of one for whom John prepared the way. Help us prepare the way for him to enter our hearts and lives anew this season, and always. Amen.
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