7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear. (Matthew 11:7-15 NIV)
Jesus spoke about John the Baptist
We have here the high praise our Lord Jesus gave to John the Baptist—not only to restore his honor but also to reaffirm his work. Some of Christ’s disciples might have taken John’s question as a sign of weakness or inconsistency, so Christ gave him this commendation.
Christ’s Praise of John the Baptist
Christ spoke honorably of John, not in the hearing of John’s disciples, but after they had left (Luke 7:24). He did not want to appear as though he were flattering John or risk having these praises reported back to him. While we should be eager to praise others for their encouragement, we must avoid flattery or anything that might feed their pride. What Christ said about John was not just for John’s praise but for the people’s benefit—to remind them of John’s ministry, which had been well received but was now strangely forgotten (John 5:35).
John preached in the wilderness, and people flocked to him, though it was a remote and inconvenient place. If hearing God’s word was worth that effort, surely it was worth remembering. The greater the effort we make to hear the word, the more we should strive to benefit from it.
Many went to see John more out of curiosity than a true desire to learn. Christ challenged them: “What did you go out to see?” Many who attend church do so more for appearance than for spiritual growth. But God will ask, “Why were you there? Was it habit, social reasons, or a genuine desire to honor God?”
Christ’s Commendation of John
[1] John was firm and resolute—not a reed shaken by the wind. He was not inconsistent in his faith or principles. Whether praised by the people or threatened by Herod, he remained the same. His testimony of Christ was not a passing opinion but a firm conviction (John 1:20, 3:28).
[2] He was self-denying and not attached to worldly comforts. “Was he a man clothed in soft garments?” No—such people live in royal palaces. John’s rough clothing and simple lifestyle reflected his message of repentance. A man who lived in such self-denial would not waver in faith because of imprisonment.
[3] John the Baptist’s greatest honor was his calling and ministry, more than any personal qualities. He was a prophet and more than a prophet (Matthew 11:9). He was greater than the Old Testament prophets because they spoke of Christ’s coming from a distance, but John pointed to Him directly: “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:29).
Moreover, John was the one foretold as Christ’s forerunner (Matthew 11:10). The Old Testament prophets spoke of John’s coming, making him greater than them. He was God’s messenger, sent to prepare the way for Christ.
Jesus said, “Among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). John had the highest calling of all who came before him—greater even than Moses—because he preached repentance and saw Christ’s coming. Yet, Jesus added, “The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” This could mean:
- Those in heaven, who are perfected in glory, are greater than even the best on earth.
- The apostles and ministers of the New Testament, though not greater in personal holiness, had a greater mission. John prepared for Christ’s coming, but the apostles and ministers preached His death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
John’s ministry was powerful and effective. “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful people lay hold of it” (Matthew 11:12). This means:
- People who seemed least likely to enter God’s kingdom—publicans and sinners—pressed into it eagerly, while the religious leaders rejected it.
- Many came with great zeal, striving earnestly for salvation. Entering God’s kingdom requires determination, self-denial, and perseverance. It is not for the indifferent but for those who seek it with all their hearts.
John marked the transition from the Old Testament to the New. It is written, “All the prophets and the Law prophesied until John” (Matthew 11:13). The Old Testament law and prophets pointed forward to Christ, but their role began to fade as John introduced the New Testament era. Also, John was the prophesied “Elijah” (Matthew 11:14)—not in person, but in spirit and power, preparing the way for Christ.