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John the Baptizer

John was focused on being in prison and took his eyes off Jesus and what he was doing. John knew that Jesus was the Son of God. John was focused on what Jesus was not doing, i.e. not getting him out of jail. Jesus reminded him of what God was doing through him.

Am I focused on what Jesus is not doing or am I focused on what Jesus is doing? I have a choice. Jesus challenges me to change my mind and focus on what he is doing.

Fortunate [blessed] is the one who is not offended by me – To be offended here is the Greek σκανδαλίζω skandalizō, skan-dal-id´-zo (“scandalize”): to cause someone to experience anger and/or shock because of what has been said or done—‘to cause one to be offended, to offend.’ ἵνα δὲ μὴ σκανδαλίσωμεν αὐτούς ‘in order that we might not cause them to be offended’

Who is John the Baptizer?

  • John’s adult life was characterized by devotion and surrender to Jesus the Messiah and His kingdom.
  • John’s voice was a “lone voice in the wilderness” (John 1:23) as he proclaimed the coming of the Messiah to a people who desperately needed a Savior.
  • He was the precursor for the modern-day evangelist as he unashamedly shared the good news of Jesus the Messiah.
  • He was a man filled with faith and a role model to those of us who wish to share our faith with others.

Consider this in light of today’s cultural debauchery:

With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. [1]

Psalm 119:13

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John the Baptizer, compelled by God, spoke out about the marriage of Herodias and Herod (more here). Herodias was the unlawful wife of the tetrarch Herod Antipas and had formerly been the wife of Herod’s brother, Philip. As the granddaughter of Herod the Great, Herodias was herself a niece to both of her husbands, Philip and Antipas.

John said to Herod: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” It got John arrested and eventually beheaded.

Jesus commends John for being a great man of God. We should study about him and emulate him where we can.

Amen I tell you, a larger than John the baptizer didn’t arise among those born from women. But the littler one in the kingdom of heaven is larger than he [John]. 12 But from the days of John the baptizer till now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent [men] plunder it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied till John. 14 And if you’re willing to welcome [him], he himself is Elijah, the one who is going to come. 15 

The person who has ears had better hear!”[2]

Matthew 11:11-15

Bonus content: Here is a quick summary of the challenges that John the Baptizer faced. If you like this video, please consider subscribing to the channel.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mt 11:2–6.

[2] Robert H. Gundry, Commentary on the New Testament: Verse-by-Verse Explanations with a Literal Translation (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2010), 46.

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