Key Passage
While John's followers were leaving, Jesus began talking to the people about John. Jesus said, "What did you people go out to the desert to see? A weed blown by the wind? No! Really, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No! Those people that wear fine clothes live in king's palaces."
— Matthew 11:7-8 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Jesus' response to John's disciples did not imply that Jesus thought poorly of John, his ministry, or his faith. What John cared most about was God's will and God's coming Kingdom. He was not swayed by public opinion or the desire for personal acceptance. John was not concerned about making a fashion statement or having an easy life. John's clothing, location, and faithfulness to God's truth all indicate he fits in the traditions of the Old Testament prophets. Even more than that, John is willing to give up his life to prepare the way for the Messiah and to speak the truth to everyone, even King Herod. John was God's messenger, for a special time, in answer to special prophetic messages, and for a special audience hungering for God's word. For us, John stands as a great reminder of two important truths: 1 - truth is more important than life, and 2 - greatness is found in service to God.
Prayer
Gracious Father, please give me the courage to speak your truth in love, to stand for what is right no matter the opposition or the popular opinion, and to serve you without regard to my situation in life. I want to live my life for your Kingdom and not for myself. To you belong all glory, honor, and praise for your Kingdom and mercy and might! In Jesus name. Amen.
Related Scriptures
At that time John the Baptizer came and began telling people a message {from God}. This was in the desert area of Judea. John said, "Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is coming soon."
— Matthew 3:1-2
John's clothes were made from camel's hair. John had a leather belt around his waist. For food, John ate locusts and wild honey.
— Matthew 3:4
Don't change yourselves to be like the people of this world. But let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what things are good and pleasing to God and what things are perfect.
— Romans 12:2
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
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While John's followers were leaving, Jesus began talking to the people about John. Jesus said, "What did you people go out to the desert to see? A weed blown by the wind? No! Really, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No! Those people that wear fine clothes live in king's palaces."
— Matthew 11:7-8 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Jesus' response to John's disciples did not imply that Jesus thought poorly of John, his ministry, or his faith. What John cared most about was God's will and God's coming Kingdom. He was not swayed by public opinion or the desire for personal acceptance. John was not concerned about making a fashion statement or having an easy life. John's clothing, location, and faithfulness to God's truth all indicate he fits in the traditions of the Old Testament prophets. Even more than that, John is willing to give up his life to prepare the way for the Messiah and to speak the truth to everyone, even King Herod. John was God's messenger, for a special time, in answer to special prophetic messages, and for a special audience hungering for God's word. For us, John stands as a great reminder of two important truths: 1 - truth is more important than life, and 2 - greatness is found in service to God.
Prayer
Gracious Father, please give me the courage to speak your truth in love, to stand for what is right no matter the opposition or the popular opinion, and to serve you without regard to my situation in life. I want to live my life for your Kingdom and not for myself. To you belong all glory, honor, and praise for your Kingdom and mercy and might! In Jesus name. Amen.
Related Scriptures
At that time John the Baptizer came and began telling people a message {from God}. This was in the desert area of Judea. John said, "Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is coming soon."
— Matthew 3:1-2
John's clothes were made from camel's hair. John had a leather belt around his waist. For food, John ate locusts and wild honey.
— Matthew 3:4
Don't change yourselves to be like the people of this world. But let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what things are good and pleasing to God and what things are perfect.
— Romans 12:2
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
