Matthew 11:1-19 Messengers from John the Baptist

John the Baptist is mentioned here since we left him at the baptism scene (Mat.3). This is right after Jesus’ second discourse (Mat.10) on the mission of the kingdom, the cost and the rewards for the messengers sent out to work. The theme repeated several times in this section is “messenger” or “sent out one.” John sends his disciples (he was imprisoned) as messengers to Jesus to ask if he is the one. Jesus gives them evidence by mentioning all the signs and miracles he has performed. In light of Isaiah’s prophecy, he is the Messiah to come.

Lest anyone would think anything less about John, Jesus explains who he is. John is neither a weakling nor a well-dressed softy living in the wilderness, but a prophet who, according to Isaiah, would prepare the way for the Messiah. He is the messenger of God sent out on a mission to make way for the Christ. Jesus presents John as the Elijah to come, not resurrected Elijah, but a prophet in the spirit and power of Elijah. No one is considered greater than John among the living of the time. It is important to note that as Jesus affirms John’s identity, he is confirming his own as the Messiah.

What was the people’s response? Jesus uses a parable of children in the market inviting playmates who refuse to play no matter the game. If they play the flute they don’t dance and if they sing a dirge they don’t mourn. This is representative of that generation who witnessed John, an ascetic, and did not believe him. But when Jesus appears, who eats and drinks and befriends sinners, they don’t believe either. Ultimately, God’s wisdom is justified or proven right by her deeds - both John’s and Jesus’ deeds.

John and Jesus are perfect examples of messengers of God sent to the people who suffered rejection and ultimately gave their lives in God’s service. The mission of the kingdom is not defined by ministry styles, but by faithfulness to the call to bring the gospel of the kingdom to every man, woman, and child despite their response. To follow Jesus is to heed the call to be his messenger in the world.

Father, make me your messenger. May I heed your call to bring the gospel of the kingdom faithfully despite people’s response.

Matthew 21:23-27 The Authority of Jesus Challenged

Authority is permission and power. It is the permission or right to make decisions, give orders, and enforce obedience. But permission alone does not get it done. It is necessary to have the ability to do so - power. Jesus received all authority in heaven and on earth. Nothing is out of bounds for him. It is a divine authority granted by the Father.

It is divine because his authority heals sickness, forgives sin, and grants eternal life. The ability to do these things is reserved only for God. As Jesus exercised his authority, he shocked the people with it because he was able to do things that only God can do. Unfortunately, the chief priests and the elders cannot reconcile the fact that Jesus can exercise this kind of authority. After all, he is just a man. Or is he? Jesus is God and man.

Jesus challenges them with another question concerning John the Baptist - the one who would prepare the way for him. What kind of authority did he have to baptize like he did? The baptism of John was radical and an insult to the Jews. Immersion in water was a ritual for Gentiles converting to Judaism. It was an insult to invite a Jew to go through such a ritual since they considered themselves children of Abraham with no need of cleansing. Caught between the people and their own unbelief they were not able to discern John's authority. Jesus refuses to answer and leaves them to their fears and unbelief.

I need to come to terms with the reality of Jesus' authority. Do I truly believe that he has authority in heaven and on earth? Why do I hesitate with the authority he has delegated to me as a believer? Am I like the priests and elders, caught between what people might say and my own unbelief, paralyzed in my own faith? Jesus has granted the church (his body) permission and power to finish the work he started. What am I waiting for?

Lord, help me overcome the "what people might think" syndrome. Help me overcome my own unbelief. May I exercise freely the authority you have given me in my life and ministry. 

Matthew 14:1-12 The Death of John the Baptist

In Herod the tetrarch or Herod Antipas we have an example of a life dominated by fear. His father, Herod the Great, was a very able but cruel and ruthless leader killing some of his wives and sons to keep his power. It was this Herod who massacred the children of Bethlehem when he felt threatened by Jesus' birth. A father who is capable of killing his sons is not a comforting figure in the life of a child, but a disturbing one. I speculate that Herod Antipas feared his father. 

At his father's death, his kingdom was split in four (that's where the title "tetrarch - a quarter" comes from). Herod Antipas was made king over Gallilee (Jesus' hometown) and Perea. His brothers were made kings of other territories in Palestine. Antipas divorced his own wife to marry his brother Phillip's wife. Understanding the background of the family, I infer there was a great competition among them as kings and that Herod Antipas feared his brothers.

Due to his marriage with his brother's wife, John the Baptist called him to repentance since it was unlawful for him to be with his brother's wife. Tired of hearing John's accusation against him, Herod imprisons John. But he does not kill him because he fears the reaction of the people. Herod was not well liked among the Jews (he was of Edomite descent and had built a city where there was a cemetary - unclean) and he did not want to hurt his popularity any more. In a flashback, Matthew explains how John was killed and why. Herod's sorrow is not for John, but for the difficult situation that his promise got him into.

Herod's theology surfaces when he hears about Jesus and his miracles. He deduces that Jesus is John the Baptist resurrected and that is why he is able to perform miracles. His pagan background comes to light where it is believed that the dead can come back among the living.  Herod fears the spirit world and Jesus as a possible threat to his life and kingdom.

Herod chose to ignore John's warnings and call to repentance. When Jesus was before him, he only desired to see some sign done by him. Jesus only served him to patch up his relationship with Pilate. When Caligula became Caesar, Herod was accused by his own nephew of conspiring against the emperor. Herod was thrown into exile with his wife and died of an unknown death. He lived with many fears and his worst nightmare became true. Herod is an example of the unrighteous life and the consequences of such a living.

Father, guide my life day by day to make righteous decisions. May Jesus' righteousness fill my life and enable me to follow in his footsteps. May I fear you above anything else on earth so that I may enjoy life everlasting. Amen.

Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptist Prepares the Way

John the Baptist is the precursor of our Lord Jesus Christ in fulfillment to Isaiah's prophecy. His message is of repentance. His lifestyle is austere. He preaches in a time of social, political and religious turmoil yet does not hesitate to challenge people with his message. His life and ministry is spent to point to the one people really need: Jesus Christ.

In his calling people to repentance, John makes clear that it is no mere ritual for cleansing to go out and sin again. It is supposed to bear fruit. He denounces the Pharisees and Saducees, the religious establishment of the day, for their hypocritical attitude in seeking a false repentance through his baptism. John's message is never compromised by anything or anyone. 

John's ministry is characterized by a peculiar lifestyle. He seems to have taken a vow before he started his ministry. He seems to have renounced to the common comforts of the day to devote himself to the ministry. He spent his days preaching repentance and pointing to our Lord Jesus Christ as the one people should follow. He did so all the way to his imprisonment and martyrdom.

I want to be like John the Baptist. I want to commit to a life and ministry that stands out in the world. Many times I feel that the many comforts of my lifestyle are a hindrance to seek God wholeheartedly. I have settled for what is comfortable and shy away from the difficult and more demanding. I want to be like John the Baptist. I want to commit to preach God's word without any compromises. The whole counsel of God for all people. Nothing should not stand in the way of my calling to preach the word.

Lord, give me the resolve to live a life that is constantly seeking you, totally dedicated to your call upon me, and always serving those who are around me. Anoint me to be your messenger without compromise in the community you have placed me. May I always be willing to pay the cost of my calling.