Digging Deeper: Empowered to Be Great

I find this passage in Scripture a little confusing and intimidating. John the Baptist is a pillar of the faith – the fulfilment of prophecy (Isa. 40:3; Mal. 3:1). He is the last in the line of prophets. He gives the final prophecy of the coming Messiah (Matt. 3), and he is the first person to recognize the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29). He is also the cousin of Jesus and becomes a martyr for his faith. I don’t know about you, but I am pretty sure that I am not the fulfilment of any prophecy!

Jesus extols the greatness of John, yet notes that all those in His kingdom are greater than John (v. 28). Charles Spurgeon explains, “As we may say, as a rule, that the darkest day is lighter than the brightest night; so, John, though first of his own order, is behind the last of the new or Gospel order. The least in the Gospel stands on higher ground than the greatest under the law.” I shall now attempt to explain the words of Jesus.

Until Jesus arrives on earth, the world is under the Law. With the incarnation of Jesus, a new covenant is introduced – the covenant of Grace. John lives and dies under the old Law covenant. Those saved by the blood of Jesus – the author of the new covenant – are “greater than he” in God’s kingdom (v. 28). The fact that those of us saved under the new covenant hold such high regard should both humble us and, more importantly, empower us!

God promises Joshua to “be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9). We should hold fast to that promise as well. Jesus is empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good works during His time on earth (Acts 10:38). When doubts and unfulfilled expectations arise, just remember the power of the Holy Spirit also indwells and empowers you!