Jesus’ Testimony to John

Luke 7:24-30

When the messengers of John had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. “What did you go out to the desert to see – a reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces.

Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom Scripture says: ‘Behold, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, he will prepare Your way before You.’ I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, and who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by Him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.)

Reflection:

No one is greater than John. John has spoken well of Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God… whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie” (Jn 1:29, 27). Now it is Jesus’ turn to give testimony to John: “Among those born of women, no one is greater than John.” Do they have a simple mutual admiration for each other? Or do they have such great respect for each other? They work in the same field. They have the same faith. They are both passionate about their mission.

Some professions include in their code of ethics the injunction not to speak against each other in public. They may argue and be on opposite sides of an issue, but they continue to respect each other.

Don’t we quietly wish that those who work for the one true God have such respect for each other’s faith and practice? Don’t we hope that we, children of the same Father, appreciate and not speak ill of one another? It is sad to think that many wars have been waged in the name of religion.

Thank God for the faith you were baptized in and visit your godparents!

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2010,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph