24-27 After John’s messengers left to make their report, Jesus said more about John to the crowd of people. “What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. What then? A messenger from God? That’s right, a messenger! Probably the greatest messenger you’ll ever hear. He is the messenger Malachi announced when he wrote,
I’m sending my messenger on ahead
To make the road smooth for you.
To make the road smooth for you.
28-30 “Let me lay it out for you as plainly as I can: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer, but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. The ordinary and disreputable people who heard John, by being baptized by him into the kingdom, are the clearest evidence; the Pharisees and religious officials would have nothing to do with such a baptism, wouldn’t think of giving up their place in line to their inferiors.
31-35 “How can I account for the people of this generation? They’re like spoiled children complaining to their parents, ‘We wanted to skip rope and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk but you were always too busy.’ John the Baptizer came fasting and you called him crazy. The Son of Man came feasting and you called him a lush. Opinion polls don’t count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”
John the Baptizer was commended by Jesus as the messenger of God, who prepared the road for Jesus. The ordinary people or sinners heard his message and were being baptized into God's kingdom. John lived out a life that people might not approve and called him crazy and out of mind. But he became one of the greatest messenger for Jesus. This generation needs Jesus and His messengers who live out a life that simply seeks the approval of Jesus, not human's popular opinions.
My Lord Jesus, as I begin a new day, may I focus my eyes again on You as my model and pattern of life. See how You relate with people, and I follow. Hear what You speak to me, and I speak Your words. Feel how You are compassionate toward people's plight, and my heart follows with Your heart. Continue to pursue a loving relationship, a friendship with my Jesus, and experience Your presence in my life today.
No comments:
Post a Comment