Violence (Matt 11:12-15) 3 of 5 The Baptist

Matthew 11:12-15  12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.  13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came;  14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.  15 Let anyone with ears listen! 

John the Baptist had begun to preach the Kingdom of God (the reign of Jesus).  Opposition occurred on all sides:  the Jewish leaders attacked Jesus - they wanted a political Messiah, not a spiritual one.  They craved the materialism and power they thought the Messiah would bring, but they did not crave worshiping him.  The Pharisees (think of a Jewish denomination of strict rule keepers) thought their rule keeping would cause the Messiah to promote them, but Jesus was unimpressed with their lack of love and compassion for others.  John the Baptist is in prison for ruffling the feathers of the immoral royalty. The fact that violence would be perpetuated against Jesus and his followers (including John) did not mean that they were not the real deal.

Jesus is not only promoting and confirming the work of John, but he is calling them/us to accept that the reign of Christ has begun.  Those with ears - listen!  Let it change the way you greet this day!