Jesus and John the Baptist

Setting and Overview
One of the most prominent features of the Gospel of Matthew is its five discourses. The first, and best known, is the Sermon on the Mount. Most of chapter 10 is taken up with the second. That second discourse warns strongly of persecution and difficulty to come, which also helps sets the stage for the increased opposition that we see as Jesus’ public ministry enters the next phase. That phase begins with the reappearance of John the Baptist in Matthew’s narrative and opens up the door for Jesus to speak extensively about John’s role.

Exposition
The phrase “when Jesus had finished instructing” closes each of the five discourses (Matt 7:28, 13:53, 19:1, 26:1) and signals to us a new section, one in which we will see some of the opposition and doubt that Jesus has just predicted. It may seem strange that John would have doubts after so clearly proclaiming Jesus earlier (Matthew 3, John 1), and some have concluded that he is asking for the benefit of others, but that would make Jesus’ reply back to him seem strange. In fact, we see in Jesus’ answer a hint of why John may have had doubts. In quoting the messianic passages of Isa 35:5-6, 53:4, 26:18-19, and 61:1), he is also referencing passages that warn adjacently of God’s judgment, something which John had himself predicted (Matthew 3:10-12.) John may have wondered why no judgment had come, and Jesus is hinting that it is still to come, as was prophesied by Isaiah.
Jesus then asks a series of rhetorical questions about John, which should help remind the listeners of John’s importance. Did they travel all the way to the wilderness just to see someone swayed by popular opinion or pursuing material wealth? Of course not. They went to see a prophet, the someone desperately awaited after centuries of silence. Even more so, this was the one to whom Malachi 3:1 pointed, which Jesus quotes from as well (with a hint of Exodus 23:20.) Yet, as great as his role was, and that role was the most significant of anyone previously born since he pointed most directly to Jesus, even the least among those who profess faith in Christ after his resurrection can give an even more powerful witness as we can point back to the cross and resurrection. This does not mean that opposition will suddenly go away immediately. Instead, even as the kingdom advanced forward (Luke 16:16), it would see increased opposition as the One and the events about which the Old Testament had prophesied came in fulfillment. Of course not all were ready to accept this message or these events, and so Jesus offers a stern warning against those who would think that they could ignore his message.

Examination and Application
John the Baptist drew crowds not because he looked successful or told people what they wanted to hear, but because he boldly proclaimed God’s word. Are we willing to follow his example today? Are we willing to seek out those who would follow his example, even as they challenge us to grow spiritually and to serve even as it takes us out of our comfort zone. Furthermore, will we pay attention to God’s word, and be willing to accept it? Many did not pay attention because they were fine with the status quo, or were too fixated on their idea of the Messiah and of a political salvation. Too often today we can fall into a similar mindset. We had better listen.