WILDERNESS #3

Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?  What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts.  What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you; among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

The wilderness had obviously done its job on John the Baptist. “Among those born of women none is greater than John” is a mighty high compliment. He proclaimed the Coming One who would be greater than him… Jesus and his Kingdom. But Jesus says, “Yet the one who is least in the Kingdom is greater than he (John).” Matthew Henry comments, “By the kingdom of heaven here, is rather to be understood the kingdom of grace, the gospel dispensation in the perfection of its power and purity; he that is less in that is greater than John.”

The wilderness is to take us from our own personal wilderness and allow us to enter the Kingdom of Grace.

“For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.” Jesus