Messenger (Luke 7:24-28) 2 of 5 The Baptist

Luke 7:24-28  24 When John's messengers had gone, 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?  25 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces.  26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  27 This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'  28 I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

Many of the people who are following Jesus first followed John the Baptist.  Jesus puts John and John's work in context for us.  John the Baptist was the greatest prophet and his great purpose was to prepare the way for the Messiah.  But participation in the Kingdom of God is even more important than participating in John the Baptist's foretelling of the Messiah.  In other words, Jesus is saying to the crowd, "Good for you that you participated in John's proclamation of the coming Messiah, but don't stop there.... participate in the Kingdom!"

This is important for us to hear today.  Many of us participate in learning about the Messiah, but we hardly participate in his Kingdom.  We need to do both.

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Other Gospels weigh in....
Matthew 11:7-11   As 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?  8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces.  9 What then 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, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'  11 Truly 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.