This is the one about whom scripture says: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.” Luke 7:27 NABRE
Jesus sends John the Baptist’s disciples back to John with a message to look at what is happening and to trust and believe. At their leaving Jesus speaks to the gathered crowd, about John, who did not live as one in fine clothing, sacrificing and following God’s will. John in Jesus’ eyes is a prophet, and more than a prophet. John in Jesus’ eyes is the messenger from God, who is to prepare the way for the one who is to come, the Anointed One. Jesus refers to the Hebrew Scriptures, using the words of the prophet Malachi. Malachi is one of three of the last prophets and his writing is the last book in the Hebrew Scriptures. Hebrew scholars would say Malachi is wrapping things up, this is it until the end of it all. Malachi brings a message of hope, there will be justice, those who are faithful will be rewarded and those who have not dealt properly with God will be purified. Malachi speaks about the coming of Elijah the prophet, sent “before the day of the Lord comes,” (Malachi 3:23) Jesus makes the connection from this passage in Malachi, recalling the figure Elijah, in whose spirit and power John is sent to prepare for the Messiah. Jesus is that Messiah, we should take no offense of Him.
Jesus honors John making this connection between the messenger Elijah, and a type of Elijah the prophet, John the Baptist. John brings a baptism of repentance, those who listen acknowledge God’s righteousness. John does not think of himself as Elijah based on his response when asked (see John 1:21.) John is seen as great in Jesus eyes but humble in his own eyes and therefore the greatest in the kingdom of God.
Do you prepare the way for the Messiah? Are you humble in God’s eyes?
Jesus honors John making this connection between the messenger Elijah, and a type of Elijah the prophet, John the Baptist. John brings a baptism of repentance, those who listen acknowledge God's righteousness. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #Elijah #messenger #Luke #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways