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NONE GREATER?
by Pastor Mike Fortune
October 24, 2015
- John was great because he pointed people to Jesus (Luke 7:27-28a; Matthew 3:11; John 5:36)
- John was least because he died before seeing the fulfillment of God's plan (Luke 7:28b; Mark 6:27; Quote)
- Don't reject Jesus (Luke 7:29-35; 1 Peter 1:10-12)
Luke 7:27-28a
27 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, 'Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.' 28 I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John.
Matthew 3:11
11 "I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals.
John 5:36
36 But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me.
Luke 7:28b
Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!
Mark 6:27
27 So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John's head and bring it to him.
Desire of Ages, p.224
God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him.
Luke 7:29-35
29 When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God's way was right, for they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God's plan for them, for they had refused John's baptism. 31 "To what can I compare the people of this generation?" Jesus asked. "How can I describe them? 32 They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 'We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't weep.' 33 For John the Baptist didn't spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, 'He's possessed by a demon.' 34 The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, 'He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!' 35 But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it."
1 Peter 1:10-12 (Scripture)
10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. 12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.