I came across a short quip from Tim Keller concerning Jesus remark that the least in the kingdom are greater than John the Baptist. I found it interesting because I had just written on that very subject last week. My piece at http://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com/ is based out of Luke's Gospel rather than Matthew's, which is where Keller bases his piece. I think it is interesting to compare and contrast the perspective of a Protestant and a Baptist (who approaches the Bible from a fundamentalist rather than an evangelical perspective) on the person, ministry and mark that John the Baptist makes. Keller's article may be found at http://kellerquotes.com/john-the-baptist/. I encourage you to read it. As for my piece, I will repeat it in its entirety here.
"Luke 7:28 KJV
For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
There is no doubt but that John the Baptist is a great character in the New Testament. Though his work was short lived, it introduced that which is eternal. John the Baptist, Jesus said, was the greatest of all prophets. But his ministry is much more than that, extending into the New Testament and introducing that ordinance which distinguishes the church of Jesus Christ from all others; baptism of
• A proper candidate (saved) for
• A proper reason (obedience, profession), using
• A proper method (immersion) and under
• A proper authority (a Baptist church)
Why would then Jesus say that the least in the kingdom would be greater than John? Does this mean, as many have preached, that John is not a New Testament preacher, that his message was in some way inferior? Not in the least. Consider the biblical lesson after this verse. John's baptism is the dividing line between glorifying God and rejecting God's counsel.
But what John began blossomed after his death. Like that grain of wheat that dies in the ground and then yields a hundred fold;
• After John the Baptist came the death burial and resurrection of Christ and
• After John the Baptist came the entirety of the New Testament
• After John the Baptist came not only the salvation and baptism of those in Israel but all around the world
• After John the Baptist has come two centuries of preaching that very message John preached.
True greatness inspires even greater greatness. It was his greatness that has led to greater things for Christ than he himself could have done. "
Now for a few thoughts between the two pieces:
First, I agree with Keller that these passages are overlooked. I think Protestants (even the ones who use the name Baptist) take a minimalist position concerning THE Baptist. Everything that can be done is done to make little of John the Baptist. Mostly he is just overlooked. Good on him for pointing that out.
Secondly, it seems enlightening to me that a Protestant took the Matthew eleven passage as his text rather than the Luke seven text. Luke seven places much greater emphasis on the importance of John's baptism.
Finally, I am happy with Mr. Keller's application to practicing the gospel ministry. We have got to get Christians engaged in our world. We have got to see the average believer make living his faith in the world his normal life.
Only then will our faith change our world.
Marvin McKenzie
In the fields
"Luke 7:28 KJV
For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
There is no doubt but that John the Baptist is a great character in the New Testament. Though his work was short lived, it introduced that which is eternal. John the Baptist, Jesus said, was the greatest of all prophets. But his ministry is much more than that, extending into the New Testament and introducing that ordinance which distinguishes the church of Jesus Christ from all others; baptism of
• A proper candidate (saved) for
• A proper reason (obedience, profession), using
• A proper method (immersion) and under
• A proper authority (a Baptist church)
Why would then Jesus say that the least in the kingdom would be greater than John? Does this mean, as many have preached, that John is not a New Testament preacher, that his message was in some way inferior? Not in the least. Consider the biblical lesson after this verse. John's baptism is the dividing line between glorifying God and rejecting God's counsel.
But what John began blossomed after his death. Like that grain of wheat that dies in the ground and then yields a hundred fold;
• After John the Baptist came the death burial and resurrection of Christ and
• After John the Baptist came the entirety of the New Testament
• After John the Baptist came not only the salvation and baptism of those in Israel but all around the world
• After John the Baptist has come two centuries of preaching that very message John preached.
True greatness inspires even greater greatness. It was his greatness that has led to greater things for Christ than he himself could have done. "
Now for a few thoughts between the two pieces:
First, I agree with Keller that these passages are overlooked. I think Protestants (even the ones who use the name Baptist) take a minimalist position concerning THE Baptist. Everything that can be done is done to make little of John the Baptist. Mostly he is just overlooked. Good on him for pointing that out.
Secondly, it seems enlightening to me that a Protestant took the Matthew eleven passage as his text rather than the Luke seven text. Luke seven places much greater emphasis on the importance of John's baptism.
Finally, I am happy with Mr. Keller's application to practicing the gospel ministry. We have got to get Christians engaged in our world. We have got to see the average believer make living his faith in the world his normal life.
Only then will our faith change our world.
Marvin McKenzie
In the fields
