From Matthew 11:7-15 / A Prophet Without Miracles

Having sent John’s disciples back to him, with a charge to report all that they had seen and heard of Jesus – He now turns to the crowds. As with His interaction with John’s men, He begins asking the crowds if they’ve digested what they have seen and heard of John?

Jesus says that John is the consummate prophet, in the very spirit of Elijah. Indeed he is prophesied about the Messiah’s forerunner. And yet 2 things are missing: a. He never does a single miracle. b. He never utters a word of predictive prophecy. What does He do? He recognizes and proclaims Christ. He point to the Lamb of God. And this, we can enter into as well. What a high a glorious thing He grants to us.

Note first the nature of John’s ministry! It is one filled with power. Multitudes are pursuing entrance into the Kingdom with violence, like a seige upon a city. Anyone could tell something unique was happening. But is often the case, people can be more curious than thoughtful about what they are witnessing.

Note secondly how John’s preaching is having such an effect. He is nothing short of “Elijah”. Jesus will go on to note how they were not really listening to John’s message. Those who did, repented of their sins and sought God. And yet how few made the connection back to Jesus – even after John’s proclamation of Him being the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Often, we must connect the dots for people. They do not on their own.

Note third that the ministry of the Disciples (at least prior to Pentecost, and with the exception of Peter & Paul) had no such power or public response. They were no less disciples. No less chosen. No less anointed. No less commissioned. And yet none seem to have the same response of the masses in preaching. We must bow to the Father’s sovereignty in such matters. We must repel jealousy and comparison. We must betake ourselves to our commission and remain faithful in it. Yes, we may cry for the same results – even wrestle for them, and then we must leave things in the hands of our Lord.

Note fourth that Jesus’ statement regarding the kingdom of heaven suffering violence may be taken more than one way. It may refer (as above) to how many when convicted of their sins rush into it like a city under seige.

Then, it might refer to the simple fact that when Christ and The Kingdom are proclaimed, there will always be violent opposition to it. Men reject above all, submission to God and His Word. We still want to be our own god and will resist Christ’s Lordship any way we can. And John’s imprisonment certainly demonstrates violent rejection of his message.

Or, look how men have sought to take the kingdom of heaven by their own strength. How they use the law and prophets like weapons to claim their own right and their own righteousness to heaven. But we cannot take heaven by such means. We neither have a right to it by birth, nor by virtue of our having possessed or obeyed the law. Heaven must take us. It must conquer us. We must come before Heaven’s King, defeated by our sin, decrying our own righteousness and pleading to be forgiven our self-reliance, self-righteousness and pride. We must cast ourselves on the coming King’s mercy and His message of grace. No man can storm heaven’s gates. He must be carried into those gates a captive of war and a trophy of all conquering love. So they came to be baptized. To own their sin and their uncleanness. And in their surrender, found a willing and inviting Savior. Oh what a Christ He is!

Or lastly – the Kingdom of God has to force its way into the World – men do not receive it gladly. It is a conquering work. Warfare. Men’s souls are not subdued with anything less than the power of the Holy Spirit. Almighty God Himself must bind up and cast out the strong man. As Paul will note in 2 Cor. 4:6 it takes no less power to create a new heart in a person than it did to begin the whole of Creation – calling light out of darkness. Salvation is a most miraculous thing indeed! All of the Prophets were violently causing the light of God’s truth to break in upon the darkness of this sin filled world. And while John is the last of his breed, so even now the true light will dawn Himself. Jesus, the Light of the World is come. John gave the last announcement that He would come – we announce that He is here. And so the Spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Note fifth in this entire section, as per Blomberg – as great as John is, there is yet the blessing of the New Covenant. And the least among us sharing in those privileges is blessed higher than the greatest of all the OT saints and prophets. Grasp what it means to be “in Christ.” Father forgive me for failing to understand this.