Sandcastle Kings By Rich Wilkerson, Jr. Sample

Jesus Brags on John

After John sends John’s disciples back to John, Jesus addresses the crowd. He talks to them about John. Now John probably won’t ever hear what Jesus said about him, because he’s in prison and isn’t going to get out. Basically, Jesus is talking behind John’s back.

Most of the time when someone talks behind your back it’s not a good thing. Usually it’s something they would never say to your face. It might be a rumor or, worse, slander. Whatever it is, usually it ain’t good. But this is Jesus we’re talking about, and no one believes in our potential more than the One who created us.

Jesus tells the crowd something amazing. Jesus says that John is the greatest man ever born of a woman. Talk about a compliment! Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of lords, calls John the greatest man to ever live.

Think about what is going on here. John is doubting whether Jesus is the true Messiah. In our day if a pastor openly questioned whether Jesus is the Messiah he would probably lose his job. But Jesus doesn’t condemn John for his doubt. Instead, Jesus affirms him. Isn’t that fascinating?

Have you ever wondered what Jesus is doing when he seems far away? Have you ever wondered what he is saying when you can’t hear him? Have you ever wondered what he is thinking when you’re having doubts? In John’s case, when he is doubting Jesus, Jesus is bragging on John.

Jesus wasn’t angry with John. He loved John, even in John’s worst moments, because Jesus’ relationship with John was not based on John’s emotions or state of mind. The relationship was based on Jesus’ love for John, and that love would never be shaken. A relationship with Jesus is so much better than a burdensome religion, which condemns us when we are down. But Jesus loves us always, even when we are down.

Did you know that you are on God’s mind? Did you know that you are not an inconsequential speck of creation that God made long ago and never thought of again? Did you know that he knows you intimately (better than you know yourself) and that he cares deeply about your life? Did you know that he talks about you?