720. MAT 11:11. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Mat_11:11. John the Baptist

"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."’97Mat_11:11.

The life of the Baptist was full of striking incident, and therefore is well adapted, both to furnish instruction and edification to our minds. It will not be possible, however, in one discourse, to do more than give a rapid view of the main features of his history and character. Observe, then,

I. That he was the subject of inspired prediction.

See Mal_3:1. Now here he is predicted of under the title of "Jehovah’s Messenger"’97especially sent forth to be the harbinger of the Messiah. As such, he was to prepare the way of the Lord, and act as a herald to the world’s Messiah!

II. His birth was extraordinary and supernatural.

His parents were the godly Zacharias and Elizabeth. Both were aged, and his mother past the time of bearing children. Luk_1:5-7. God sent a special messenger to announce the designed event. Hence, as Zacharias ministered before the Lord, &c., "an angel of the Lord appeared," &c. Luk_1:8-17. It will be seen, by reading the inspired narrative, that he was the cousin of our blessed Lord.

His name was given him, evidently, under supernatural direction. The name John signifies’97"the gift," or "the grace," or "the mercy of the Lord;" and was exceedingly appropriate, as applied to John. Observe,

III. The spiritual excellences of his character.

These we may fully learn from the prediction given of him by the angel’97"He was to be filled with the Holy Ghost;" Luk_1:15. Sanctified by God from the womb. Hence he was eminently holy in his own person. A pure vessel for the Master’s special use.

(1.) It was evident that he was to be particularly distinguished for seriousness of spirit. The fear of God was to be the great predominant feature of his moral character.

(2.) He was characterized for great self-denial. His dress’97his style of living’97his abstinence from wine and luxuries; Luk_1:15.

(3.) He was to be also eminently humble. He was to be the servant. Not to affect pomp,’97not to glorify himself. Hence the striking evidence of his modesty, in hesitating to baptize the Redeemer; and confessing that he was but the voice, sent to prepare the way of the Lord. Joh_1:19. Notice,

IV. The characteristics of his work and ministry.

Look at him,

1. As a preacher.

He stands forth eminently in this office. His subjects were,

(1.) Repentance. His ministry said,’97Awake to the great concerns of religion,’97turn from the world to God,’97hear Jehovah’s voice,’97change your minds, and with it, your lives;’97for so the word repentance signifies.

(2.) Faith in the coming kingdom. "For the kingdom of heaven," &c. The reign of God by the advent of the Lord’s anointed is at hand. Prepare for it. Prepare to welcome it. To be blessed by it.

"Hark the glad sound, the Saviour comes,

The Saviour promised long;

Let every heart prepare a throne,

And every voice a song."

As a preacher,

(1.) He chiefly carried on his ministry in the open air. In the wild mess of Judea. Here, with the arch of heaven for the dome of his temple, and the wild scenery of nature around him, he published the will of God to the people.

(2.) His ministry was most faithful. He dealt faithfully with the souls of his hearers: Mat_3:7, Mat_3:8.

(3.) His ministry was earnest and devoted. He is described as one "crying." Acting as a herald’97lifting up his voice. Dwelling with life and ardor on the great subjects of his ministry. He spared not, but cried out and caused the people to know their sins, and Jerusalem her iniquities.

2. As a baptizer.

He not only preached, but he received, and formed into a distinct class, those who received his doctrine and repented of their sins. Hence the disciples of John were baptized in the Jordan, as a token of their re pentance and faith in the coming Messiah. It seems that multitudes thus professed their change of heart, and their expectation of the coming of the Messiah. Mat_3:5, Mat_3:6. Observe,

5. The circumstances of his eventful death,

1. His ministry was short.

He labored ardently, and earnestly, and devotedly, but the whole was probably little, if any more, than three years.

2. His death was connected with the fidelity of his office.

He was held in general and profound esteem and reverence by the people. Herod, the Tetrarch of Judea, had heard him, and perhaps more than once. Mar_6:20. It is clear, too, that he had consulted him in reference to his purpose of marrying Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; and John’s faithful testimony is recorded, when the preacher said, "It is not lawful for thee to have her," &c. This was the direct link connected with his death.

3. He died a martyr’s violent death.

See Mat_14:6, &c. There was the festive scene in Herod’s palace’97a birth-day banquet. The company of the lords, high captains, &c. The dancing of Herodias’ daughter. Herod’s infatuated delight.’97His absurd engagement, and imbecile oath.’97And then the rankling revenge of the odious Herodias. At length the king’s demand for the Baptist’s head’97and its immediate execution.

Thus died the holy, devoted servant of God’97the herald of the Saviour, and one of the greatest among those born of women.

Application

1. Let the theme lead us to meditate on the occasion of John’s death.

Mat_14:12, Mat_14:13. Here is matter for solemn reflection’97for grave consideration.

2. Learn the connection oftentimes between duties and sacrifices.

John might have evaded, and saved his head. He lost his life, and saved the truth his conscience, his religion, and his soul. "He that loseth his life," &c.

3. Learn to imitate John in his noble and godly excellences.

4. Christians may rejoice in the pre-eminency of their privileges, even over his.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS