Jesus Confirms Who John the Baptist Is

By Mary Vee
Matthew 11, Luke 7

From Matthew's Journal 

Photo by Mary Vee. View down to the Sea of Galilee from
the Mountain where it is believed Jesus was at this time.
Capernaum is down and to the left by the shore.

My name is Matthew, I am a disciple of Jesus.

Jesus led us southwest from the Galilee area. While visiting villages along the way, we had a surprise visit from a few of John the Baptist's disciples. They had a question for Jesus. Rather than answer them with words, He showed them proof that He is the Son of God come to do the will of His heavenly father.

John's disciples stayed with us a few days. They watched, marveled, then left to take their report back to John.

Many people had gathered around Jesus, anxious and excited to hear more of what He had to say and show. Jesus asked for the crowds attention. Everyone knew that John the Baptist preached to those who heard him in the desert. What they might not have known is what Jesus said about John. "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes?"

The people smiled at that question. Anyone who saw John knew he wore clothes made from camel's hair. Hardly fine clothing.

"But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. These words have been written about John:

I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.

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."

Jesus said, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. If you are willing to accept this, John is the Elijah who was to come. Those among you who have ears, let them hear." 

See, all the people, even the tax collectors said they agreed that God's way was right after hearing what Jesus said. This was because they had been baptized by John. 

But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.

Jesus said, "John the Baptist didn't come eating fancy breads and wines yet you say John has a demon. I say, the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by all her children."

From there Jesus walked on a ways.

 Come back to read the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.