Year 9, Day 185: Matthew 11

Theological Commentary: Click Here

I’ve always loved this particular story with John the Baptizer. It’s hard to understand.  It makes John look incredibly human.  In other words, there is so much in this chapter to which we can relate!

Begin with John’s humanity.  The very man who started Jesus’ story by declaring Him the one who was prophesied now looks at Jesus and asks if He really is.  Why do I love this story when it makes John look so wrong?  John is relatable.  How many times in life do I run across something that makes me doubt, question, or at least pause in my faith?  John the Baptizer – Jesus’ own cousin and the very man who baptized God’s Son – had those same doubts.  Jesus didn’t walk away from him.  He won’t walk away from me when I have the same kind of doubts, either.

Next, we get to the part of the story where Jesus says the least in the kingdom is greater than John.  Is Jesus insulting John?  Perhaps, but I don’t think that is the main thrust of Jesus’ comment.  Jesus might be chastising John for his doubt, but I think Jesus is making a greater point about leadership.  The least will be the greatest.  This is a theme all throughout Jesus’ teaching.  It is also a theme all throughout His actions.  Jesus heals.  He teaches.  He takes in disciples.  He does all of it as a service to humanity, not to elevate His status.

This leads to the end of the chapter.  What does Jesus say to people in the middle of doubt?  What does Jesus give to those who spend themselves serving and being the last in the kingdom?  Jesus invites people to rest.  He doesn’t cast John away.  He doesn’t tell people to burn themselves out by overworking.  He invites them to come rest in Him.  He offers the an opportunity to recharge so they can go back out restored and refreshed.

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