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? 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. But 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.’ 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.” (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. But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)

‭‭–Parallel verses:
Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬, ‭10‬-‭11‬
[John the Baptist preaching]
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Sometimes a reminder of why we came and did what we did is important. John the Baptist preached repentance of sins. Not just the technical sins like “do not lie”, “do not commit murder”, “do not cheat or steal”. He preached a repentance of the heart. He was wanting to encourage his countrymen to turn back to following the heart and intent of God’s law. And he was to do this to prepare the way for Jesus’ coming. To prepare the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit in fire. (This was a prophesy foretelling Pentecost, by the way). Now that Jesus’ ministry as the Son of God is well under way, Jesus recognizes John and his great sacrifice and contributions to bringing hearts into God’s kingdom!

John the Baptist was a prophet and a servant of God. He sacrificed all to serve him. He gave his life for the gospel and in speaking the truth.

I also love the note about the believers in the crowd. Luke noticed that those who were baptized by John, who had repented, were changed and acknowledged God’s way through Jesus, his Son, as the way to God. And those who did not repent of their sins and did not get baptized by John out of repentance, their hearts were still hardened to the truth.
This is how God often works in our hearts. He prepares them. He uses one person to plant the seed of truth, and others to water it! What a great truth to hold onto with our children and grandchildren!

Thank you, Lord, for the great spiritual work you do in our hearts! You use broken people like John the Baptist, who are sold out for your Kingdom, to accomplish greatness. In this case, that greatness was that many who John baptized followed Jesus. Your work over time is incredible! You are battling for each of your children to come home and waging war against evil now and throughout time!