The Violent Bear It Away

 

 Matthew 11:11-15

The Baptist Is the Greatest

 ¹¹ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ¹² From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. ¹⁴ And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. ¹⁵ Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Jesus praises his cousin, John the Baptist for his fearless preaching and yet says that "whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Mt 11: 11)  He is the final one who prepared the way for the Messiah; his call was urgent and his message was clear. As we prepare for the Birth of Jesus during these Advent days, we are called to reflect on the shortness of this life and to focus on the kingdom of God which begins here and marches into eternity. It is violently opposed to the values of this world and needs our total commitment.  Let us not be easy on ourselves, but do whatever it takes, whatever we can, to help establish it.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, help me to find the zeal of John the Baptist to help prepare the way for Jesus. Amen.