Matthew 11:7-15 NIVUK
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
‘“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.”
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.
John the Baptist was a great person of faith. Called to prepare the way for Jesus, remembered for his preaching and faithfulness even to today. The one who baptised Jesus. And yet we are called greater than him! He was the last of the prophets, proclaiming judgement, under the old covenant. We are God’s restored people, receiving grace, under the new.
Thank you for John who prepared the way for Jesus, and for those who prepared the way for us to receive him.
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