Jesus and John the Baptist
Scripture
Matthew 11:1-19
Luke 7:18-35
Key Differences
Luke records that those who had been baptized by
John believed the words of Jesus but those who had not, such as
the Pharisees rejected Jesus' words. The baptism itself
had no power to sway anyone's mind, but rather it was a
reflection of the openness of the people. Those who were
open and repentant had accepted John's message and were
baptized. They were far more likely to accept Jesus'
message.
Additional Commentary
Even though John had encountered Jesus on
several occasions and had even baptized Him, he still was not
certain if Jesus was the Messiah. As John sat in prison,
knowing that his ministry and life were near an end, he sent his
disciples to find out for sure that Jesus was the one he was
preparing the way for. John's faith is not misplaced, he
was in the same situation as many of Jesus' followers.
Jesus was undeniably different from other people but so many had
different expectations of the Messiah - ones that will not be
fulfilled until Jesus second coming.
Jesus contrasts His ministry with that of John
and notes that some people still didn't respond to either style.
John's ministry was like that of modern "fire and brimstone"
preachers who preach a strong message of repentance.
John's message was a sorrowful one and he didn't associate with
many people, eating locusts and honey in the desert.
Jesus' message had a more loving and
compassionate tone to it (not to say that Jesus didn't have
plenty of damning words for the Pharisees and teachers of the
law.) Jesus spent His time going to banquets and
socializing with some of worst of society.
Some people respond to one type of message
better than another. Jesus pointed out that some people
didn't respond to either type of message however and instead
made excuses for their rejection, stating that John had a demon
and Jesus was a drunkard.
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