A TRULY GREAT MAN

Passage: Matthew 11:7-15

Key verse: 11

NIV

7 As John’s(A) disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness(B) 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?(C) 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,(D)
    who will prepare your way before you.’[a](E)

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,[b] and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.(F) 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.(G) 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.(H)

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Footnotes
  1. Matthew 11:10 Mal. 3:1
  2. Matthew 11:12 Or been forcefully advancing
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out (A)into the wilderness to see? (B)A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man[a] dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? (C)A prophet?[b] Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written,

(D)“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 (E)From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence,[c] and the violent take it by force. 13 (F)For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is (G)Elijah who is to come. 15 (H)He who has ears to hear,[d] let him hear.

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Footnotes
  1. Matthew 11:8 Or Why then did you go out? To see a man…
  2. Matthew 11:9 Some manuscripts Why then did you go out? To see a prophet?
  3. Matthew 11:12 Or has been coming violently
  4. Matthew 11:15 Some manuscripts omit to hear
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. What did you go out to see? (7-10)

Jesus knew that John was in prison. A fickle crowd could despise John because of this. Jesus rebuked the crowd, for they had gathered like a bunch of sightseers. He told them about John's greatness. John did not dress in fine clothes, nor did he live in a lakeshore apartment. He had lived a humble life in the desert. His true greatness was in the greatness of his mission. He was sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah.

2. The greatest man (11-15)

Prophets had long prophesied the Messiah's coming, but John announced that he had come. Like Elijah, he called men to repent. Both John and Jesus forcefully attacked the strongholds of Satan with the truth of God. John was a great man; but one who repents and receives Jesus and takes hold of God's kingdom with all his strength is greater!

Prayer: Lord, forgive my uncommitted, sightseer's heart, and help me to take hold of your kingdom with all my strength.

One Word: Be great in God