Whoever has ears ought to hear. Matthew 11:15 NABRE
Jesus addresses a crowd about John the Baptist; asking if they are going off to see John, who did they go to see in the desert, did they go to see someone dressed in fine linen, did they go to see a prophet. Jesus answers this last question by saying John was more than a prophet, quoting the prophet Malachi Jesus says, “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.” (Matthew 11:10) John is that messenger, and if we accept it, he is Elijah. Jesus says there is none born of woman greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. Jesus reports the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, even John is a rather violet man. He is fighting with King Herod, using force and power to make Herod change, which leads to John’s violent death. Martyrdom changed after John the Baptist is beheaded, future martyrs will be put to violet deaths but they themselves die peacefully. The next martyr is Stephen who dies being stoned. Stephen doesn’t hate those putting him to death, rather he forgives, his face shines like the sun, he dies with joy. The difference between John dying fighting with Herod and Stephen dying forgiving those who stone him was Jesus death and resurrection occurred in between. Jesus ushers in an era of non-violence, of love and forgiveness. Jesus speaks about change from fighting to loving. We or anyone should no longer be afraid to die because there is resurrection. Whoever has ears ought to hear and see this change.
Push violence out of your life. We have a Lord who saves, all will be as it should be and so we should do our best to convert others but realize God is in charge and has already secured a victory.
Do you fear death? Do you fight for Christ or love people to become followers?
Push violence out of your life. We have a Lord who saves, all will be as it should be and so we should do our best to convert others but realize God is in charge and has already secured a victory. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #peace #violence #Matthew #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways