Learning from John the Baptizer

11Truly 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. 12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence,^dand violent people have been raiding it. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15Whoever has ears, let them hear. (Matthew 11:11-14)

Thoughts: John the Baptist preached a message of repentance as Elijah did.  He called the people to leave false gods and selfishness and turn to the living God just like Elijah.  John the Baptist preached in the wilderness (desert) as Elijah did.  He rebuked a powerful king as Elijah did.  He wore rough clothes like Elijah.  Malachi 3:1, 4:5 spoke of a messenger a prophet like Elijah coming before the day of the Lord's coming came.  Elijah ascended into heaven on a chariot of fire and was thought to come back with power one day.  To make sure John was not confused with Elijah, Herod (or his wife) had John decapitated.  But John and Elijah's message is what lives- the message of repentance.  The messenger is not nearly as important as that the message is delivered.
      John is the greatest of the prophets in that his message is great but also he is the one who introduces the Messiah.  Yet there is a clear break between the Old and New Covenants (or  Old and New Testaments) with the coming and work of Jesus the Christ.  John prophesied of Christ's work but others saw that work and experienced the living Christ as not only the Messiah but also as their Messiah and Savior.   John pointed to Christ, but we not only point by experience Him.
     We can learn from these verses the importance of repentance, but also the importance of recognizing Jesus as our Messiah and Savior.  Knowing about Christ is not the same as experiencing Him as our Savior and Lord.  

Prayer: Lord, I repent of going my own way and seek to go your way- relying on your cross and walking in your steps.    

(John holds the lamb and points to Christ on the cross)