clothes? But people who wear fine clothes and enjoy delicate food are found in palaces. What
did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. For John is the one
foretold in Scripture in these words: I am sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare your
way. No one may be found greater than John among those born of women; but, I tell you, the
least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
All the people listening to him, even the tax collectors, had acknowledged the will of God in
receiving the baptism of John, whereas the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, in not
letting themselves be baptized by him, ignored the will of God.
Reflect:
The Law and the Prophets were two mighty forces in the life of the people of Israel. Having
received the Law, there was always the tendency to abuse it. It was the mission of the prophets
to keep turning the people to the spirit of the Law and the heart of God, the lawgiver. However,
these prophets were continually persecuted and murdered. And then, at some point, prophecy
ended. For nearly 400 years, not a single prophet was seen in Israel. In the absence of prophets,
religious leaders became powerful and sole interpreters of the Law, much to the loss of its spirit.
It is at this juncture, John the Baptist emerged as prophet who dared to speak God’s words,
challenge people to conversion, prepare the way for the Lord. Jesus has high praise for him.
Do we have the heart to say “yes” to God’s call and be a prophetic voice in our times?
© Copyright Bible Diary 2022