NT Challenge Companion--Day 6!

Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010 Reading for the Day:  Matt. 11-12 and Acts 16-18 Focus on Mat. 11

I've always felt bad for John the Baptist.  He grew up in the wilderness/desert (The Greek word can mean either) either by himself, or possibly with a group of Jews known as "Essenes."  The Essenes were a group of ascetics.  They wouldn't have been much fun at a party.  John's ministry was equally serious.  His one sermon was basically "Repent and avoid going to hell!"  The highlight of his ministry had to be when Jesus came to him to be baptized.  At some point after that John was arrested for telling King Herod that he was committing adultery by marrying his brother's wife.  While John was in prison, he sent a group of his followers to Jesus with a simple question:  Are you really the Messiah?  John, and many others, expected Jesus to be a political leader who would overthrow the Romans and establish Israel as the central government on the planet.  Jesus didn't do anything like that.  Jesus' answer to John focused on the healing miracles and the presentation of the Gospel to the poor.  I wonder how John responded.  We don't know, because sometime after that King Herod had him beheaded.  The footnote on John is Jesus saying that he was the greatest person ever born of a woman, and yet the LEAST in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.  That means you and I, if Jesus is Lord of our lives, if we've been born again are greater than John.  Why?  Because John lived and died under the Law.  We live and die under grace.  Praise God! 

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending the right man to prepare the way for Jesus.  John's humility and steadfastness are amazing.  I pray that you will guide me to live my life with the same humility and steadfastness, and with great assurance because of Jesus' salvation in my life.  Empower me today by the Holy Spirit to show others the faithfulness of John and the joy of Jesus. This I pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.