When Jesus Gives the Eulogy

Not to be morbid or triggering, but as apart of our legacy and time on this planet we should want good words spoken about us when we die. We should hope that we lived a life in such a way that before they lower us into the grown or spread our ashes, that the preacher and those gathered would have good words to say about us. That’s what the word eulogy means anyway, a good word. I’ve heard some good eulogies in my ministry. I’ve been told I’ve given a few eulogies. But, it does not escape me that not everyone has good words spoken about them. You wan’t people to say something good about you.

This is what Jesus is doing for John. (set the stage)

Now the observation should be that John is not dead yet. Jesus is speaking well of John but John is still yet in prison. That is another word for someone. That ultimately the you want someone to speak well of you when you pass but you should also live a life that someone will speak well of you when you are yet still alive.

1. He was Prophetic not Pretentious

John was not ashamed of who he was and Jesus applauded him for it. John was faithful to his calling and did all that God had set forth for him to do. He was a prophet’s prophet, a preacher’s preacher, and he used his ministry to glorify God and not himself. The entirety of his ministry was to turn people away from sin towards God and to prepare the world for Jesus. And he did that. Jesus asked them some questions about what they expected to see when they went out to John. (exegete v.7-10)

I like John for this and we should learn from his witness. He wasn’t know for worldliness, he wasn’t known for his misbehavior, he wasn’t know for how he looked, he was a prophet to stood ten toes down and spoke the truth; and that knowing it could cost him everything.

We as the church me be what we are called to be individually and better collectively. Not pretending to be something we are not.

2. He was the Greatest so someone could be Greater

Jesus then lets them know. Out of everyone born of a woman, there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptists. Among those born of a woman? That’s everyone. (preach-run bible characters) But, as great as he was the person who is the least in the kingdom is grater than he is. Why because although he was greater practically you are greater positionally. Or, although he was greater religiously you are greater relationally. John was greater because (elaborate) but you are greater than John because (preach).

v.12

John is Elijah, figuratively (v.15)

Those who went before us were greater so that we could be greater! (Preach--relate to Black History)

3. He was Ridiculed for being Righteous

Finally, for Jesus, he lets us know that John was different. He wasn’t like everyone else. He separated himself from the identifying evils of the world, yet, he was accused of those same evils. We could just simply say, he was lied on. People aren't going to like you because your a Christian, or because you got your life together and are worshiping God(Preach).

Jesus then gives John an incredible complement. He throws himself into the comparative mix with John. That in the same way they lied and hated John for not identifying with the world, they lied and hated Jesus for identifying with sinners. You’re condemned if you do you’re condemn if you don't.

So have wisdom in your decision making and choose what is right before God and although you may be ridiculed for it you will be spoken will of.

I’ve heard some good eulogies...

I’ve heard people of being good...(run)

It was said of James Brown…He’s was the hardest working man in show business

Dr. King said of himself…Say I was a Drum major for Justice, Peach, and Righteousness.

Jesus said of John... none greater than John has arisen.

But, when Jesus gives the eulogy. I wan’t him to say...