Luke the beloved physician wrote, “when the messengers of John were departed” Jesus “began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went you out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went you out for to see? A prophet? Yes, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, which shall prepare your way before you.”, and in chapter seven and verse twenty-eight of his book Luke shared how Jesus tells the people, “among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John” where we read:
For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
The verse reads, “For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist:” Luke began with the words, “for I say unto you” or “because, since and on account that I, Jesus, utter, declare and proclaim to the people listening to Him”, “among those that are born of women” which means “among all people who are birthed into this world by women” “there is not a greater prophet” or “there exists not one larger, elder or more important in position one who is moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation” “than John the Baptist” which means “than John whose name means Jehovah is a gracious giver and who was a baptizer or ministered the rite of baptism”. Luke shared how Jesus declared “John the Baptist” “greater” than any other “prophet” who was “born” into the world.
The verse goes on to say, “but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke continued with the words, “but he that is least which means “however, nevertheless, nonetheless and notwithstanding the person whether male or female who is the smallest in rank or influence” “in the kingdom of God” or “within God's rule, reign, power and dominion” “is greater than he” which means “is larger, elder and more important in position than John the Baptist”. Luke shared how Jesus declared people who are in “God's Kingdom” to be “more important” in position than “John the Baptist”.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn what Jesus really thought about John the Baptist. Though John wondered if Jesus was the Messiah or not, Jesus declared him to be “greater” than any other “prophet of God” who was born previous to him. In addition, Jesus said people who belong to “God's Kingdom” are “greater” than John the Baptist, and this idea should make all who read these words wonder how that could be. Jesus came to offer salvation from their sins, and when they believe and trust in Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”, they not only are forgiven of their sins, but they gain entrance into God's Kingdom. Jesus had not died for the sins of mankind when John the Baptist was alive, but Jesus later went to the cross so people may be with Him forever. Let all who read these words yield themselves to Jesus Christ who alone is able to give them a place and position that is greater than John's.
Next time Luke shares how Jesus tells the people, “among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
No comments:
Post a Comment