Breaking the Word

 When the messengers of John had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. "What did you go out to the desert to see– a reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom scripture says: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.' I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, and who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.) (Lk 7:24-30)

Jesus bears witness to John the Baptist. John the Baptist was a prophet and more than a prophet. He was also a messenger. As a messenger he was not just carrying the message but he was also going ahead of the one about whom he was giving the message.  He is the forerunner who announces the arrival of the messiah and also he was preparing the people for the arrival.

There was no one who was greater than him. It should be because of the commitment of John the Baptist to the mission. He completed his mission to the perfection and even at the risk of his life. In fact people come searching for him even from the cities. People came to him and were even baptized by him.

All those who were baptized by him accepted God and God’s plan. But eh Pharisees and the scholars of the law rejected the plan of God and thus they were not in the kingdom. The tax collectors and sinners accepted the plan of God. That is why Jesus said that the least in the kingdom of God is greater than John. 

The disciples of John told him about all these things. John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" When the men came to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?'" At that time he cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind. And he said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." (Lk 7:18-23)

Probably there were many who pretended themselves to be the Messiah. People also were carried away by these who appear as leaders of the people. And this is the reason John the Baptist also asks Jesus whether he was one or should we look for another. John the Baptist is looking for credentials and he is looking for it from Jesus himself.

Jesus does not give any proof for his identity as the Messiah except his own activities. His actions speak for themselves. His activities are healing and giving sight to the blind and casting out demons. It is more of making the man complete and whole.

Jesus indirectly tells John the Baptist that the works of the Messiah is to make or help man to be totally human. Man when he was created by God he was totally human but because of his sin man lost his humanity and the effect of it is all what he suffered. The work of the Messiah is to make man a ‘new creation’.