The Best Ticket in Town

If I asked, who is the greatest, who would you say?

Greatest Musician of all time? Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, Josh Groban?

Greatest Composer? Beethoven, or Handel?

Greatest Actor? Carry Grant, Steve McQueen, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington?

Greatest Civic Leaders? George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, FDR?

Greatest Military Leader? Hannibal, Napoleon, MacArthur, Eisenhower?

Greatest Artist? VanGogh, DiVinci, Picasso?

Greatest Scientist? Einstein, Curie, Tesla, Newton?

Greatest Athlete? Micheal Jordan, Tiger Woods, Larry Bird, Mickey Mantle, Willy Mays, Babe Ruth?

I remember watching Rickey Henderson steal second base to become the All-Time base stealer hold up second base above his head and said to the Oakland Coliseum crowd, "Today, I am the greatest of all time!'' AT THE SAME TIME in another town, Nolan Ryan Threw his 7th No-Hitter solidifying becoming the best pitcher ever. Nolan did not have to say he was the greatest, he just was…

Muhammad Ali said: "I Am The Greatest." At the time, he was 21 years old. He was still known as Cassius Clay. And he was on course to fight Sonny Liston for the world heavyweight championship.

People would get tickets just to watch these performers and athletes.

People did not have to buy tickets, but they were going to the wilderness to see John the Baptist.

READ PASSAGE: Mat 11:1-19

Matthew 11:1–19 KJV 1900

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Chapter 6)

For Herod himself had sent forth, and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison—in the castle of Machaerus, near the southern extremity of Herod’s dominions, and adjoining the Dead Sea [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 18.5.2].

John’s imprisonment was the signal Jesus was waiting for to begin his public ministry. He starts to preach, call disciples, and heal people:

Matthew 4:12 (KJV 1900)

Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

John the Baptist sent two disciples to talk to Jesus, to confirm if He really is the One they were waiting, looking, and praying for. “Why am I in prison? Why are they already starting to persecute you? Why are many leaders against you?

Tell John about all the Miracles. Vs. 5

Let Him know that he will be blessed if he does NOT STUMBLE AT ME.... V.6

Offended = σκανδαλίζω skandalizō; to put a snare(in the way), hence to cause to stumble, to give offense:—cause(1), cause … to stumble(2), causes(2), causes … to stumble(6), fall away(7)

Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).

Blessed = Happy. Vs.6

Matthew, Mark, Luke: Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, Volume 1 Jesus’ Tribute to John (11:7–19)

If you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come (11:14). Malachi prophesied that Elijah would prepare the way for the Messiah (Mal. 3:1; 4:5). Malachi did not imply a reincarnation of Elijah or a return to life in a whirlwind (in the way he left). Rather, at John the Baptist’s conception he was designated as the one who ministers in the “spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17).

Malachi 3:1 (KJV 1900)

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me:

Behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.

John 1:21 KJV 1900

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

Luke 1:17 KJV 1900

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Vs. 17-18.

This is a picture of a group of children out playing in the streets. One group says, “Let’s play funeral.” They play funeral for awhile, soon tire of it and then say, “Let’s play wedding.” Soon they grow tired of playing wedding. They go from one extreme to another. They are spoiled children. The generation Jesus was speaking to was like that, and our generation is also.

J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary: The Gospels (Matthew 1-13), electronic ed., vol. 34 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991), 156–157.

Spoiled children who pretend to have weddings and funerals (one later game was called “bury the grasshopper”) stand for Jesus’ and John’s dissatisfied opponents; dissatisfied with other children who will not play either game, they are sad no matter what. The term for “mourn” here is “beat the breast,” a standard mourning custom in Jewish Palestine. Custom mandated that bystanders join in any bridal or funeral processions.

Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), Mt 11:16–17.

People were starting to follow Jesus instead of playing the Extreme Games of the Pharisees and other religious leaders.

John was the Greatest Ticket in Town. People were going out to see him up until the day he was put into prison. He kept pointing people to Jesus.

While John was GREAT, God Sees you as being GREATER because of Jesus. HOW MANY OF US SEE OURSELVES AS GREATER Than John Baptist? I Don’t Feel like I’m great than John...

You Are the Best Ticket in Town - for someone to see Jesus in you...

3 Things That Made John GREAT...

RESILIENT: Steady in Persuasion. (FAITH) 7.

Reed? Being blown around, easily swayed… weak.

John was not weak.

John was strong in faith. He was “Fully Persuaded”

John firmly held his convictions and doctrine of the Lamb of God, pointing out sin, and living a distinctly different life.

The wilderness was where John ministered. The reed spoke of a tall ten to twelve foot cane with a flower cluster at the top. The reed, however, is so thin and weak that it will lay flat on the ground when a small wind blows on it. Many folk are like this reed in their stand for Christ. A bit of an adverse breeze blows and they are flat on the ground in the direction the wind blows them. Most politicians are like this reed. They have no convictions. They simply do what is popular. But John the Baptist was not like this reed. He stood like a giant oak tree. It made no difference how others stood; John stood upright.

HOWEVER: John said: “Ask Jesus, if He is really the One we are looking for.” V.3

John questioned Jesus, just like all the people had previously questioned John. “Assure me who you are.”

Even faithful people can ask questions.

Even faithful people can sometimes have doubts.

When confronted with moments like this - get your answers from Jesus. Read the Word. Get along with God. Listen to the Scriptures.

Jesus tells John’s disciples to look at all the miracles and teachings as evidence, lending credence to the fact, the Messiah was here.

2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV 1900)

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Psalm 56:3 KJV 1900

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Believe in Jesus and Christian, Keep on Believing!

1 Peter 2:6–8 KJV 1900

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Resilient: Steady in Persuasion.

REAL: Selfless in Priorities. 8

John wore humble, but quality clothes. His clothing is not fancy, but durable and practical for the life he is living.

We need not dress like famous politicians to be effective ministers of the Gospel. We can dress in regular clothes like the regular type people we are trying to reach with the Gospel.

Camel’s hair clothing was not trending on the Home Shopping Network or the hottest item on Amazon because of John.

Matthew 3:4 KJV 1900

And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

We have candy grasshoppers for anyone who wants to try one after the service. - While supplies last. They are not the Keebler ones either. The real ones.

‘A “Bishop” in NYC was robbed at gunpoint right in the middle of their Sunday service. The assailants took all the jewelry from the Bishop and his wife. The total amount stolen come to over 1 million dollars.

It is OK to have money. It is good to use the money wisely and not selfishly. John lived selflessly. His priority centered on Gospel ministry and the Gospel.

IS God Your Priority or just a passing thought?

Are you faithful to worship God with God’s people?

Has earning extra money, (not a living income) become more important than worshipping God?

Do your choices reflect a devotion to the Lord and His Word?

Do you give any time to prayer?

Are you trying to help others in need?

Are you sharing the Gospel with compassion?

Is Christianity REAL for you???

With Inflation, shrinkflation, stagflation and a receding economy, people are very concerned about money, income, savings, etc. GOD CAN PROVIDE, but make sure He is still #1 in your life - not the money.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV 1900)

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

3 Things That Made John GREAT...

RESILIENT: Steady in Persuasion.

REAL: Selfless in Priorities. 8

RESOLUTE: Superior in His Purpose. 9-10

“More than a prophet.” John is essentially the greatest OT Prophet ever - pointing to the New Testament which started at the Cross.

He declared the King, the Lamb.

He prepared the way of the king.

He baptized the king.

His purpose was to Lead People to Jesus...

John did the best he could to fulfill God’s plan for his life.

John was in prison for speaking God’s truth.

In some parts of the world, there are Christians in prison for speaking and believing, and sharing truth. It could come to that one day here in the USA.

John is later executed for speaking truth.

John did more for Jesus in his short 31 years of life than most people their entire lifetime.

CONCLUSION: Of all the people who ever lived, Jesus said, “JOHN IS THE GREATEST.” THEN Jesus said, “The Least In the Kingdom of Heaven is Greater Than Him...” Vs.11

Imagine this - God sees you and I as greater than John the baptist - the greatest man who ever lived.

THIS IS HARD TO BELIEVE OR HARD TO UNDERSTAND. HOW can a “Christian” who appears to be in love with the world, in love with money, and who does not have God as #1 in his/her life be esteemed GREATER than John the Baptist???

Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition: New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update (Matthew 11)

11:11 is greater than he. The greatness of John the Baptist in the old dispensation of the law before the Cross fades in comparison to the high position every believer has had since Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection and the descent of the Spirit.

Some “Christians” are “Christian” in name only. They are not really members of the Kingdom of Heaven. He says the “least of the kingdom” they are saved.

Some Christians are backslidden and need to submit to God and prioritize Him.

Other Christians need to keep serving, remaining faithful to the Lord.

All Christians are equally loved and esteemed by God no matter how they perform in life. GOD SEES JESUS IN YOU.

Today's Best Illustrations, Volumes 1-4 (Real Greatness)

Greatness in the kingdom of God is measured in terms of obedience.

—John Stott

“Obedience to God‘s Word is the first evidence of true faith in God.”

- Warren Wiersbe

There are levels of greatness in The Kingdom of Heaven, that is what the disciples were arguing about when Jesus declared…

Matthew 18:4 (KJV 1900)

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

WHAT MADE JOHN SO GREAT AND HOW DOES GOD SEE US AS GREATER???

It’s All About the CROSS! It’s Because of Jesus. FOCUS ON POINTING PEOPLE TO JESUS. You are GREAT in God’s Eyes because of JESUS! Point people to Jesus.

You Are the Best Ticket in Town - for someone to see Jesus in you...

You Don’t Have to Focus on BEING: The best artist, performer, athlete, the prettiest, most talented, or richest; The disciple of Jesus points people to Jesus.

RESILIENT: Steady in Persuasion/FAITH. When the storms of life rage - stand strong. When the wind blows and others are falling, be determined to stand for the Lord. When you get knocked down, get back up. Keep believing.

REAL: Selfless in Priorities. Have Godly values. Money and wealth are not as important as devotion to God. Don’t focus on stuff; coveting is a form of replacing God as #1 in your life. Have Godly priorities.

RESOLUTE: Superior in His Purpose. When life does not go as planned, adjust. Do the best you can for the glory of God, no matter how difficult. Give your best to the Lord.

RESPONSE:

May God help me have resilient faith.

By God’s grace, I will be real in my priorities.

To the glory of God I will be resolute in fulfilling God’s purpose for my life.

I need to be saved, forgiven of my sin.