Greater Than The Greatest

In Matthew 11:2-3 John the Baptist, while in prison, sends disciples to ask Jesus if he is truly the “one to come” (the great Messiah king of Israel). While John is now uncertain if Jesus is the great, final king, Jesus is certain than John is a great prophet.

Jesus tells the crowds they all know John was a true prophet, unlike the many false prophets who waver (like a reed blowing in the wilderness), and only say what the Jewish leaders want them to say; thus they can be “house prophets,” living in style (in soft, expensive clothes) (Mat. 11:7-8). But Jesus goes on to tell them that John was more than just a prophet, for he fulfills the words of Malachi 3:1 about a special messenger sent by God to prepare the way of the Lord (Mat. 11:9-10).

Jesus says all the prophets and the law (of Moses) prophesied, up to John (Mat. 11:13). John was the last in a long line of prophets who called the kingdom of Israel to repentance, to return to God and keep God’s covenant with Israel. John likewise fulfills Malachi 4:5-6 about Elijah the prophet as the messenger to come before the great and terrible day of the Lord. Jesus says John is that “Elijah” (Mat. 11:14).

Because of John’s strategic role as the last and greatest prophet of Israel, Jesus says John is the greatest of all those born of women (Mat. 11:11). As the messenger who announces that the great kingdom of heaven is at hand and that the great king (Jesus) has been anointed by the Spirit, John is the greatest person in history so far. Yet Jesus adds that even the least in the new kingdom of heaven is greater than John.

Though John heralds the new king and kingdom, he remains part of the old kingdom of Israel. Sitting in prison, he has begun to wonder if Jesus is really the great Messiah who will overthrow the leaders of Israel and rule over a newly repentant Israel. Jesus has indeed been spreading the good news that the great kingdom of heaven has now arrived; and he has just sent out his twelve apostles to spread that same message. Nevertheless, from the time of John until that present day, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence from violent men (Mat. 11:12).

Jesus has shown his kingly power from heaven by casting out demons, when violent evil spirits confront him–and malicious Pharisees demonize him (Mat. 8:28; 9:34). When Jesus shows his authority to forgive sins, scribes (rabbis) slander him (Mat. 9:3). And Jesus warned his apostles that as they go out to announce the new kingdom and cast out demons, they will meet much opposition (Mat. 10).

Nevertheless, because Jesus is indeed the great new king and his apostles have been given temporary power for their mission to Galilee, they are all greater than the greatest prophet (and person) of history so far. In this time of the new kingdom, all those who welcome this special kingly power of God and become disciples (followers) of the new king will be greater than the greatest.