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? 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. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Matthew 11:7 – 10

Jesus held John the Baptist in highest regard. Listen to Jesus, ^“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist…”  John had the awesome privilege and task of authenticating Jesus as the Lamb of God.  John was not that Lamb. He was called to identify the Lamb, which he did without hesitation.  It is Jesus. It was only as time passed, when Jesus led a life unlike John, that John had problems.   Thus, our meditation for the day.

Jesus asks, “Then what did you go out 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.’”

John had a special place in the redemption story, but he himself needed to be redeemed like everyone else.  Jesus reminded his hearers, “Whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Each of us brings who we are to our task of lifting up Jesus as the Savior of all.  Our gifts are as varied as our personalities.  But we all do the same thing, exalt Christ. We love our Johns, our Pauls, our Matthews, that is for sure.  Each person makes a profound contribution.  In the Kingdom that Jesus established the greatest calling is to glorify Jesus.  John the Baptist did so.  Then  slowly began to doubt.  We need not doubt for we know because Jesus was raised from the dead and is now at the right hand of his Father in glory. Our job is to let the world know that one who is “more than a prophet” came to save us.

I believe that when John’s disciples returned with this news, John, the prisoner, rejoiced with joy unspeakable. Jesus is the Messiah, the Lamb of God! I do believe John died that horrible death with this song in his heart.