Matthew 11; Verses 7-11

Continuing on in Matthew 11. Still talking about John the Baptist from verse 1, and the previous verses here. Thank you for taking a look †

(Matthew 11:7-11) "And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

(Christ wanted everyone to know exactly who John the Baptist was. That being so, solidifying who Christ was and is through prophecy. Wilderness here in meaning out in the desert near the Jordan River. Reed shaken with the wind = back and forth, back and forth. Not solid in doctrine in God's Word).

Why is Christ doing this? The talk of John the Baptist from the previous post. John was in Prison and wanted reassurance. We can gather people must have been asking questions. So Christ wants all to know exactly who John is. They did not see any back and forth in doctrine from John the Baptist.

8But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

Christ referring to the toughness and mental toughness of John the Baptist. You did not see him living it up in the lap of luxury. Reminding of the humbleness of John's Ministry, and the way Christ would come in (lowly and humble).

And not only of kings are those around them, but the rich with ill-gotten lovers of money pharisees and sadducee'.

John the Baptist patterned after Elijah wore:

(Matthew 3:4-6) "And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

5Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins."

Back to Matthew 11:9,

9But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.(The reason you have the Elijah analogies. Elijah largely know as the representative of the prophets).

10For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

(Prophecy fulfilled from Malachi chapter 3).

Drawing them distinctions. He was much more in the way in rank (not meaning better than anyone). For the special role he had in announcing the coming and here Messiah. Which is why Christ gives us the reference in verse 8 for kings. John the Baptist was paving the way for THE KING.

In the next verse Christ shows us that rank in what it means further:

11"Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

(Christ always gives that humbling statement when dealing with importance in rank. For the reasons of staying a servant and with that mentality, with that attitude. Don't let it get to your head).

I also want to point why did Christ say born of women? Because satan and the fallen angels, and the Lord's angels were not. Because Christ is also referencing Heaven here. Angels always known as servants, the Lord's messengers as well. Which is why Christ made the point. John the Baptist being the messenger for the Lord born of women (umbilical cord).

Amen †