What Jesus Did! 'Blessed to be Here Now' — Matthew 11:10-11

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

[Talking to the crowds about John the Baptist, Jesus continued:] "John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

'Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.'

"I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!

— Matthew 11:10-11 NLT

Key Thought

John the Baptist was the key bridge for the gap from the Old Testament age to the Kingdom of Heaven. He stood with the prophets, but he was more than a prophet; he was the one prophesied to bring in the age of the Messiah and his Kingdom. He broke the long silence with God's not speaking to his people through the prophets. The focus of his communication was not himself but the coming One. He called people to repentance to prepare them for what was coming. We are blessed to live in the time of the Kingdom. While some enjoy the luxuries and privileges of relative prosperity and luxury, physical luxuries dim in comparison to the glorious blessing of living in the Kingdom of Heaven while waiting for it to dawn in all of its fullness. John was great because he bridged the gap. But we are more blessed to live on this side of the bridge.

Today's Prayer

Thank you Father, for having me live in a time such as this. I want to serve you with passion and vigor for allowing me to share in the promise of your coming Kingdom by being born into your Kingdom by spiritual rebirth. I recognize that every blessing and everything remarkable and wonderful in my life have come from you. Thank you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Asking and Honoring
Article by Stacy Voss
How could he know for sure? Stacy Voss reminds us that John the Baptist asked a deep and important question of Jesus and Jesus answered with not only truth, but also words of honor and affirmation.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 11:10-11 NLT — "John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, 'Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.' "

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 40:11
"Our good Shepherd has in his flock a variety of experiences, some are strong in the Lord, and others are weak in faith, but he is impartial in his..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 34:18
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Holy Moments, Ordinary Bread'
"Dear Beloved, The fellowship of My disciples as they gather around a table for a meal is a precious and holy time. This meal can be a common meal or...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'No Longer Strangers' (Ep. 2:17-22)
"Dear Father, friend of the far and the near, I am so thankful that Christ came and preached peace to those who were far off and to those who were..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!