John the Baptist

This week I take a look at John the Baptist and how he would relate to Jesus Christ in his last days. Take a look and see if you agree with me or not.

Matthew 11:2-3 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

Luke 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

It may not be clear why John sent his two disciples, whether for his own sake or for theirs. We know that John had a strong testimony, after all he had personally witnessed the Spirit of God descending on Jesus at his baptism, and heard the Lord’s voice proclaiming Him the Son of God. John had testified to others many times that Jesus was the Lamb of God. Maybe John’s faith had waivered as he lay in prison asking himself why he was not delivered. Maybe he knew that his time was short and his disciples needed to shift their attention and develop a proper testimony of Christ instead, or in other words the trip and questions were for their benefit. I tend to think it was the latter. Jesus’ response was designed as a means to remove any doubt about who He was. Therefore as they witnessed for themselves and returned to testify of it, they would be growing their own faith where it belonged. If I were to imagine myself as one of John’s disciples returning to tell him the reply, I can see the experience being one of transformation. As I would tell him about how the Savior healed the sick, raised the dead, and preached the Gospel, these things would become a part of me. Soon both Jesus and John would be gone and this strengthening of my testimony and first experience of proclaiming Him the true Savior would be like a beginning of a life as a missionary. I believe that was what John had in mind.

Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

After sending John’s disciples back to them with His answer. Jesus turned to the people and explained the question for their benefit. Knowing that many had looked to find out if John was the one to follow, He clarified why John was indeed a greater prophet among those born of women. John had been filled with the Holy Ghost while still in the womb, had begun administering baptism, had preached true and righteous doctrine, and was the forerunner of Christ. Jesus then proclaimed himself even greater. John preached repentance but only Christ could redeem men’s souls. Salvation could only come through Him.

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

John knew full well that what he had been about his entire life was coming to an end. He had cried repentance and pointed to the one in whom people should turn to. Everlasting life could only be had through faith in the Christ. John was completing his purpose and the mission of the Savior had begun. From this point forward the emphasis for mankind would be the building up of the Kingdom of God that all might be saved. If we are to take away any instructions from this for our own lives it would be to focus forward. What we were about before should decrease as our faith in Jesus and doing His work should increase. Christ’s disciples gave us an example as they set their former lives behind them and spread the Gospel to as many hearts that would listen.

If you have a thought you would like to share, I invite you to leave a comment below.