10 This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:10–11 (ESV)
Today’s text reveals important information concerning the inerrancy and authority of Scripture. This is relevant in light of some contemporary pastors and church leaders seeking to nullify the significance of the Scriptures in general and the Old Testament canon in particular.
In His continuing commentary about John the Baptist, Jesus referred to the Old Testament Prophet Malachi, He quoted Malachi 3:1. It was a potion of Scripture the Jews knew well. Jesus applied it to John the Baptist. It was John of whom Malachi spoke by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). John was the messenger who prepared people for the coming Messiah: Jesus Christ.
Jesus not only affirmed the position and responsibility of John, but He also affirmed the inerrancy and authority of Scripture when He said, “It is written.” He invoked biblical authority of the Old Testament. He also affirmed the principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture.
Additionally, Jesus invoked His own authority as the Incarnate Word of God (John 1:1-2). This parallels what He did during His Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7). Jesus declared John to be the greatest Old Testament prophet. Remember, the Gospels are set in an Old Testament historical context. The New Testament officially and historically begins in Acts 2.
Jesus elevated John to an exalted status. However, He added that anyone who is least in the kingdom of heaven was greater than John.
“John is indeed great, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater still (Matt. 11:11). Here Jesus contrasts John’s place in redemptive history with that of the new covenant believer. John saw Jesus, but he died before the Lord’s death and resurrection. After His resurrection, we understand the work of Christ more clearly. Moreover, even today we experience new covenant benefits —like immediate access to God’s presence (Heb. 10:19–22) and the indwelling Spirit (Rom. 8:9) more powerfully than John did when he walked the earth,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
Let us be thankful and faithful as we serve the One, True living God today. Have a blessed one.
Soli deo Gloria!
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