What do you think of this Biblical passage on John the Baptist?

Question

Matt. 11:2~14 "When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see?... A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' ... Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom ...is greater than he."
Hi, Shrugger! I was about to say a thing to your question, suddenly it closed; this is a follow up.

Answer 1

its great!

Answer 2

Great question as it covers several mysteries !!! One, even though John baptized Jesus and perceived His true identity at the time; John was still 'becoming aware' of who Jesus actually was. Two, Jesus had to 'become aware' by degree's, of His true identity and mission, for example, He at first thought He was solely sent for the Jews and the 'woman at the well'(s) supremely logical questions helped Him make the quantum leap of comprehending that His mission was also for the gentiles. The other part of my statement is that Jesus did not 'know' He was God, until His last days (even then, He had a very difficult set of decisions to make, by faith alone). For example, He confronted the person who called Him 'good'.

By the time John asked his question, however, Jesus was conscious of His identity; and could cite prophetic words about Himself, in response to John's question.

Three: Now, here are two mysteries. Joel states that Elijah will come to 'make straight the way of the Lord' and Jesus declared that John was that man AND Jesus plainly said that John IS/WAS Elijah. This is the first mystery. The second mystery is: Elijah/John is to come again, prior to Christ's return and that is Billy Graham; who preached 'repent and be saved' for 70 years and retired. Of course, the mystery here is: but, Elijah was 'taken/transported' into heaven (e.g he didn't die; so, of course, he could return). But, John was beheaded !! And yet, was reincarnated in the 20th century.

Fourth, Jesus taught that John was indeed a 'great man'; and yet, the least who accepts the invitation into heaven is 'greater'. Ergo, even now, in the decadence of the 21st century, to accept Christ as Savior; has a high magnitude of glory.

Fifth, Jesus taught that the 'yes' means nothing; if 'no' is not an option; and a man/woman can recant, lose faith, sell out to the evil ones - because of the tribulation that is guaranteed to come against the believer, because of the Name of Jesus.

And, Sixth: Jesus gives tacit approval to those who went 'out into the desert to see and hear'; but, a little later He warned that we are NOT to do this, as there will be many anti christs and false prophets.

I hope this generates some profound and honest thinking.

Maranantha

Answer 3

I think it just shows that John was human, too. He was in prison probably beaten and under nourished. He had a moment of weakness and needed some reassurance like we all do sometimes. That is to the first part of the scripture.

To the second part, Jesus praise of John, I would say that Jesus was saying He greater than any old testament prophet but even the least Christian is greater because ....... Jesus hadn't died yet and no one was forgiven yet.

Answer 4

I like the last part of the passage that says, John was great, but reater things the least of the people that have spirit of God will be after John. This means that if we who are born after Jesus died on the cross and have holy spirit, we are able to do greater things than John.

Answer 5

It means that John the Baptist literally gave EVERYTHING away to follow God. Basically it means if you can do more than what John the Baptist did, you will have a greater seat in Heaven then him.

Answer 6

The passage said it all. Jesus was the Christ (Messiah). John was the one prophet the old testment talked about coming before the Messiah.

Answer 7

it means that previous biblical passage about that John knew Jesus in in mothers womb was bs. That passages is used to justify that lifes begins at inseption but this passage proves that john had no idea who jesus was... just another democrat.

Answer 8

very wonderful passage speaking of the coming of the Messiah Jesus-it took time as a Jew for me to believe this and to let Him into my heart to recieve His Holy Spirit="The heavens declare the glory of God, and His word declares who He is." Psalm 19

before as a Jew I thought as I viewed the sky there had to be a God, Yet it took seeing Him described in the Jewish Scriptures for me to believe

Isaiah 9:6 "Unto us a child is born a Son is given, and He will be almighty God, the wonderful counselor, the prince of peace."

yet to have this one become real to me I had to do as He asks in the Bible "I love you and ask you to repent from your sins (even one lie) quickly, Behold I stand at your heart door and knock to come in, If you hear my word and ask me in, I will come in and be your friend and you mine." Jesus words from Revelation 1:1 &3:19&20 as he spoke from heaven to each of us.

Now Jesus is my savior Messiah and best friend and life is very good and the promise of heaven's joy instead of hell's torment forever for rejecting him and his word (Matthew 24 gnashing teeth and weeping forever, for rejecting his words John 12:48, & heaven wonderfulness along with hells torment in Jesus words Revelation 19-22nd chapters.

prayin for you too, thanks and have a great day, David

Answer 9

Spring,I understand the text.......What specifically are you looking for? Are you wondering about the term "greater"

Answer 10

I think it is a beautiful passage.:-)