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

Thursday, May 20, 2021

[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

  • 1 Peter 1:10-12
  • Hebrews 11:13-14, 39-40
  • Isaiah 40:3-5

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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.' "

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.

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