November 3, 2008

A Great Ministry

“But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. "For this is [he] of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. "And if you are willing to receive [it], he is Elijah who is to come. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 11:9-15 NKJV)

What is the believer to understand about this illusive statement? How is it that those in the Kingdom of Heaven are greater than John is? It could be that the kingdom of heaven refers to the eternal state as Matthew Henry suggests. However, the context doesn’t seem to be speaking of comfort for the believer. Rather, it seems to focus on John’s ministry.

If the primary focus is John’s ministry, then it seems logical that the comparison is between John’s ministry and the New Testament believer’s ministry. It could be limited to the Apostle’s preaching, but it seems unnecessary to limit it to their ministry if the reader interprets the passage as follows.

The first comparison is between John and all the other prophets before him. It is true that he had a unique birth having been filled with the Holy Spirit while still in the womb. This certainly would merit the Apostle’s (Matthew’s) special recommendation. However, if he is exalted above his forerunners for this quality, how could it be said that the apostles or we have a better pedigree? Not one of the apostles was filled with the Holy Spirit while still in the womb.

John’s ministry was greater than the previous prophets' ministry because of its proximity to Christ. He was the harbinger of Christ. Therefore, in the history of redemption John’s ministry was the drum roll before the curtain rose. “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.” John prophesied but his prophecy was contemporaneous with the ministry of Christ. John was Elijah in the sense he was to come right before that great and terrible day of the Lord.

Therefore, maintaining this context, the New Testament believer’s ministry must be greater than John’s was because of its proximity to Christ. John preached repentance for the kingdom of heaven was at hand (Matt. 3:2). We preach the kingdom of heaven has come, and we do so with the full revelation of His death, burial, and resurrection.

Believer’s today have a greater ministry than all the prophets of old including John the Baptist. However, are we living up to our calling? Surely with such a great ministry comes great responsibility. Those who went before us suffered greatly for the hope of a Savior. Shall we who have this great light hide it under a basket? If John the Baptist were alive today, would he be less energized to preach or more? I know this is hypothetical, but think about it. They longed to see Christ’s day. They gave their lives for Him. Since we have this great ministry, we had better take care of business too. Amen?