JOHN 10:40–42
“John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this man were true.” And many believed in Him there
(John 10:41–42).
Having faced only opposition in the city of Jerusalem, Jesus returned to the countryside to rest and preach to those who had once been under the ministry of John. John’s ministry was one of preparation, and here we see how effective it was in preparing the hearts of many who heard Jesus three years after John baptized along the Jordan.
While John preached the coming of the kingdom, he did not perform any miracles. Yet, many of the people believed him. The implication, therefore, when comparing Jesus to John is that Jesus is greater. In essence, the people said, “If we believed John to be telling the truth, and he did not perform any signs, how can we not believe in this man who performs many wondrous acts and miracles?” They reasoned from the lesser to the greater. If John told the truth, Jesus must be who He says He is.
They also considered John’s preaching. Everything he said about the coming Messiah applied to Jesus. He came in power and authority, performing miracles and preaching that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. It is noteworthy that these same people who heard John’s preaching, many of whom might have seen Jesus baptized, did not come to saving faith (if their belief was indeed saving) until much later. This account can be an encouraging one to preachers and missionaries who labor for years without seeing any fruit. Some people believe that unless you see immediate fruit, you must be doing something wrong. But that is not always the case. Sometimes God chooses to use your labors as preparation. Then, later, either through your own ministry or the ministry of another, many people suddenly turn to Christ. This delay does not mean your work was unimportant, but it does mean it was preparatory in nature.
The success of our preaching is never determined by us, but only by the decree of our sovereign Lord. He determines the time of the harvest, and when that time comes, it will surely be gathered. In the account before us, the place of harvest was not Jerusalem but in the country, and the time was not during the ministry of John the Baptist but on the day of Christ’s arrival.
CORAM DEO
Job 19–20
Acts 9
Obtain the name and address of a missionary that is supported by your church. Write that missionary (individual or family) a note to encourage them in their work. Remind them that God brings in the harvest and that they must be faithful in preaching the Gospel but trust in His timing. Be encouraging. They need it.
For further study: Matt. 9:35–38 • 1 Cor. 9:8–12 • Gal. 6:6–10