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. This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 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. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Jesus calls attention to John the Baptist’s ministry and sets him up as an example of obedience to God’s call, even in his moment of doubt. He reminds them about the reasons they went out to see him: it was not because of his worldly possessions or his position of power. He was not necessarily good looking. He lived in the desert, ate locusts and honey, and wore coarse clothes. They came to see John because his words were backed up by his heart and his actions. What he preached is how he lived. He asked for forgiveness, was a humble servant, and placed God first in all things.

What a model for me in life!

Jesus also talks about the violence and raiding that the kingdom of heaven was under between John’s coming and the ministry of Jesus. This violence was not primarily brutality by the Romans, though Herod did try to kill Jesus as a baby, and in attempting this, killed so many babies and toddlers among the Jews. No, the primary violence he refers to is the raiding and pillaging of the faith, and has to do with the evil, harsh, and judgemental leadership of the Pharisees. They went beyond normal societal rules and oppressed the poor, stole from widows, and built a religion of comparison games where you were always trying to measure up to your neighbor, and always watching your back for a back-stabber.

To bring peace with God, Jesus had to rebuke them and point people to a healthy relationship with God, centered on love, hope, joy, forgiveness, compassion, reconciliation, and heart-level commitment. We serve and worship God not out of duty or comparison, but out of a passionate, unbridled love for him.

John was the “Elijah to come”! He was a servant of all. And he modeled that the greatest in Heaven see themselves (and their importance and needs) as least important on earth.

Lord, resurrect in my heart a deeper and more pure love and compassion for others. May I faithfully proclaim the truth and live it in love. May I stay close to you in heart, discipline, speech, and action!