Clearly, the crowds had moved on. For a time, John the Baptist was the Rockstar. People came from everywhere to see and be baptized by this man of God. He spoke with authority and preached repentance to a world that had abandoned their faith. He was rough and burley. He was so different from the norm, that people would come to see him simply because of his oddity. But, when they heard him speak of Messiah–well then hope was restored.
Then, the day came when Jesus started his ministry. John announced Jesus and baptized him. John knew Jesus was Messiah–he had known it from the time they met in their Mom’s wombs! Still as Jesus grew in popularity, John’s following dissipated. His disapproval of Herod’s behavior landed John in jail awaiting execution. John’s faithful team kept him up to date about what was happening and the growing popularity of Jesus. There in the jail, John questioned his purpose and his call. John sent his guys to confront Jesus–Are You the one?
Jesus, as he had with so many others, sent back a message of comfort and peace. “Tell John what you have seen–the healing, the opening of eyes, the casting out of demons and the raising folks from the Dead. In a word, Jesus assured His cousin that while His ministry was different, their purpose was the same. Jesus was changing the world and Its picture of the Heavenly Father. Jesus was not mad. He did not take offense at John’s crisis of faith. Instead, Jesus reminded all that were there–a large crowd, to say the least, that John was a superHero. He changed the course of many lives and prepared the way for Messiah. Still, compared to God’s chosen, Jesus reminded the people that even rockstars pale in comparison.We, as His people, are children of God.
We will stand with the Lord for eternity. When life gets hard and circumstances seem hopeless, we must take our hope from that promise! John knew and we must cling to the fact that Jesus Christ is enough. He must be enough in both good times and bad. He must be our sufficiency whether we are hungry or well fed. He has to be the center of our faith. Jesus comforted His friend because sometimes it is hard to see the miracle that is sitting in front of us. Because of Jesus, we are able to be in a personal relationship with God, Our Heavenly Father. That is a great gift.
God Bless You
John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”
21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
24 After John’s messengers left, 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? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’[b]
28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)
Walking With God 