John the Baptist – Praying Pint

34.s. “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”

Matthew 21:23 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Jesus did not confine himself to beneficent acts; he used the opportunity of the gathering of crowds around him to preach unto them the gospel (Luke 20:1), to teach truths which came with double force from One who bad done such marvellous things. By what authority doest thou these things? They refer to the triumphal entry, the reception of the homage offered, the healing of the blind and lame, the teaching as with the authority of a rabbi, and especially to the cleansing of the temple. No one could presume to teach without a proper commission: where was his authorization? They were the guardians and rulers of the temple: what right had he to interfere with their management, and to use the sacred precincts for his own purposes? These and such like questions were in their mind when they addressed him thus. Wilfully ignoring the many proofs they had of Christ’s Divine mission.

Who gave thee this authority? They resolve the general inquiry into the personal one – Who was it that conferred upon you this authority which you presume to exercise? Was it some earthly ruler, or was it God himself? Perhaps they mean to insinuate that Satan was the master whose power he wielded – an accusation already often made. They thought thus to place Christ in an embarrassing position, from which he could not emerge without affording the opportunity which they desired. The trap was cleverly set, and, as they deemed, unavoidable. If he was forced to confess that he spoke and acted without any proper authorization, he would be humiliated in the eyes of the people, and might be officially silenced by the strong hand. If he asserted himself to be the Messiah and the bearer of a Divine commission, they would at once bring against him a charge of blasphemy.

Without the infilling Holy Spirit, it is impossible to comprehend the honor and glory Jesus Christ deserves. His power, might, authority, and message will be ever falling on the deaf ears of those who deny and reject His Good News of salvation, redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life. The Word of God is a sharp sword that swings at the thoughts and intents of the heart of a person. It is a smart person who, after being cut to the heart, cries out for the wielder of the sword to heal and make their heart new.

33.w. “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun”

Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

The Transfiguration of Jesus. (Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36.) This mysterious event was intended primarily to confirm the faith of the three apostles who were to have the chief hand in founding the Church. The Lord had just announced his future sufferings and death. This prediction had been a grievous blow to Peter, and doubtless to the others also. He had stumbled at the cross, and had brought on himself a stern rebuke for his slowness and worldliness. So to comfort the chosen three under the thought of what awaited their Master, they were shown a glimpse of the glory which he has in heaven; they saw the Law and the prophets yielding subjection to him; they heard the voice of the Father announcing his Sonship. Henceforward they might take courage under all circumstances; the cross would be no infamy or disgrace – would open the way to victory and glory. Here was a foretaste of the blessedness of heaven – to be with Christ and his saints in his kingdom. Such was the Transfiguration to the three witnesses. To the world, when in due time it was made known, it taught lessons of the Incarnation, the resurrection of the body, the glory that shall be the portion of the righteous. (unknown)

Moses and Elijah: Remarkably, these two Old Testament persons appeared and spoke with the transfigured Jesus. Moses had lived some 1400 years before; Elijah some 900 years before; yet they were alive and in some sort of resurrected, glorified state. It is fair to think that these two particular persons from the Old Testament appeared because they represent the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). The sum of Old Testament revelation came to meet with Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration. (Guzik)

From this we see: “Saints long departed still alive; live in their personality; are known by their names; and enjoy near access to Christ.” (Spurgeon)

“If the Father says, ‘This is my Son,’ observe the graciousness of our adoption! With such a Son the Lord had no need of children. He did not make us his children because he needed sons, but because we needed a father.” (Spurgeon)

“Though the apostles saw ‘Jesus only,’ they saw quite sufficient, for Jesus is enough for time and eternity, enough to live by and enough to die by…O look to him, and though it be Jesus only, though Moses should condemn you, and Elias should alarm you, yet ‘Jesus only’ shall be enough to comfort and enough to save you.” (Spurgeon)

33.s. “But who do you say that I am?”

Matthew 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

This is the question placed before all who hear of Jesus; and it is we, not He, who are judged by our answer. In fact, we answer this question every day by what we believe and do. If we really believe Jesus is who He says He is, it will affect the way that we live. (Guzik)

“Our Lord presupposes that his disciples would not have the same thoughts as ‘men’ had. They would not follow the spirit of the age, and shape their views by those of the ‘cultured’ persons of the period.” (Spurgeon)

Whom do you say I am? as for those men, it is no great matter who they say I am; but of great moment and consequence are your sense and confession of me. Such who have long sat under a Gospel ministry, or who have been long in the church and school of Christ, it is expected of them, that they should know more of Christ than others; and should be come to a point about his person and office, and be ready to make a confession of their faith, and give a reason of their hope in him; and especially such who are, or are to be preachers of Christ to others: these ought to be well acquainted with him, who, and what he is; they should have no doubt, nor hesitation in their minds, about him, but be fully satisfied concerning him; and be free, and open, and ready to declare what they know and believe of him. (Gill)

What is it in our lives that demonstrates and confirms our answer to the question, “But who do you say that I am?” If our answer is, Redeemer, Savior, Son of God, and Hope of my Salvation, then our lives will shine bright of the hope, joy, peace, and love that we find in Him. We will think, speak, and do things much differently than the cultural and social norms that we live in. It is not the crosses we wear around our necks, bible verses we hang on our walls, or bibles we sit on our tables, (though these certainly are rightly done) but it is in our intentional choice to always seek and desire to honor and glorify Jesus Christ from deep within our hearts, minds, and souls in such a way that all we think, say and do is for this singular purpose alone.

33.d.

Matthew 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.

In these 12 verses, we have quite a few people who made choices.

Herod the subordinate ruler over Galilee, married to his brother’s wife, feared the people, imprisoned John the Baptist, celebrated his birthday with many guests, made a foolish promise, and though seemingly sorry he ordered the beheading of John the Baptist and had it brought on a platter and given to his wife’s daughter.

Herodias the illegitimate wife of Herod, a mother, gave instruction to her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist and was given John’s head on a platter by her daughter.

John the Baptist imprisoned by Herod, told Herod of the evil of marrying his brother’s wife, knew Herod wanted him dead and was beheaded.

Herodias’s daughter who seductively danced before Herod and all who were at his celebration was given an oath from Herod for whatever she might ask, asked her mother what she should ask for, asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter, and gave this platter to her mother.

The guards who beheaded John and put his head on a platter

Those at the birthday celebration for Herod watched Herodias’s dance, heard Herod give the oath, heard the request for John the Baptist’s head, and gave approval for the request.

Disciples of John, took the body of John the baptist away, buried it, and told Jesus of his death.

Imagine you get invited to a birthday celebration of a prominent person and the next thing you know there is a seductive dancer, an oath, a request, and the head of a respected humble righteous person brought in on a platter. Each of these people made choices. All but John the Baptist and his disciples made very bad choices.

For the most part, we do get to choose the actions we take, the places we go, who we spend time with, what we say, what we think, and what we allow ourselves to be taken in with. Every day we get to choose whom we will serve. Will it be to deny and reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Will it be for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ, or will it be for selfish desires of our flesh? Think about how you spend your time and who you spend your time with. The best use of our time is in the continual presence of Jesus Christ and in His Word. And, yes it is possible to raise a family, work, do athletics, be at celebrations, shop, and be with others while being in the presence of Jesus Christ and having His Word residing in our minds. It is then that we will know what is right, pure, and honorable. It is then we will discern right vs wrong, good vs bad, truth vs false, love vs anger, peace vs fear, hope vs despair……. Stand firm in Jesus Christ and the things of this world will grow dimmer and dimmer in the light of His glory and grace.

32.l. “And the violent take it by force.”

Matthew 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.

Luke 16:16 “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.

I read Matthew 11:12 over and over but could not make sense of it. I sent a note to my Pastor asking for references or some commentary that would help me understand. Thankfully he pointed me in the right direction.

One would think “suffered violence, and the violent take it by force” to be a negative act by those carrying it out. We might think brutality, savagery, cruelty, and heartlessness are meant by the use of “violence and violent” in the verse. This makes it hard to read and understand. Here is a case where the greek language sentence structure does not quite align with English. The Greek verb can be presented in three voices, active, passive, and middle. Here it is clear it is either middle or passive which changes how we would define violence and violent.

Here are some bible scholars commentaries on this verse;

The words describe the eager rush of the crowds of Galilee and Judæa, first to the preaching of the Baptist, and then to that of Jesus. It was, as it were, a city attacked on all sides by those who were eager to take possession of it. The “violent” are men of eager, impetuous zeal, who grasp the kingdom of heaven—i.e., its peace, and pardon, and blessedness. (Ellicot)

In this way is described that eager, irresistible striving and struggling after the approaching Messianic kingdom. (Meyer)

It shows us what fervency and zeal are required of all. Self must be denied; the bent, the frame and temper of the mind must be altered. Those who will have an interest in the great salvation, will have it upon any terms. (Henry)

and the violent take it by force; meaning either publicans, and harlots, and Gentile sinners; who might be thought to be a sort of intruders: or rather the same persons, as being powerfully wrought upon under the ministry of the Gospel; who were under violent apprehensions of wrath and vengeance, of their lost and undone state and condition by nature; were violently in love with Christ, and eagerly desirous of salvation by him, and communion with him; and had their affections set upon the things of another world: these having the Gospel preached to them, which is a declaration of God’s love to sinners, a proclamation of peace and pardon, and a publication of righteousness and life by Christ, they greedily catched at it, and embraced it. (Gill)

Our Lord is describing the energy with which some souls are pressing in, and urging the need of such energy if salvation is to be obtained. (Unknown)

When we look at violence and violently in this scripture their meaning would be more in line with strength, might, power, intensity, without restraint, passion. When the Gospel is revealed to the heart and mind of man and there is a Godly softening of the heart of stone, there is an intentional choice to believe it or reject it. In rejection or denial there can be violent rejection or denial but more than likely there is a mild rejection or denial and they swat away any application of repentance, surrender, holiness, forgiveness, obedience, and reliance on Jesus Christ like they would swat away an annoying fly. But those whose hearts have been enlightened have an urgent need of Christ and with eagerness, zeal, and intensity grab hold of the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ.

30.a. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 3:1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Matthew 4:17   From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 11:20    Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.

Matthew 12:41  The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

Matthew 21:31-32    Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.  For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.

We can’t come to the kingdom of heaven unless we leave our sin – turn away from it – believe in Jesus Christ and have faith, trust, and reliance in His sacrifice on the cross for our sin. We are born with a basic understanding of God. Rom 1:19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

We have free will to choose to repent, believe, surrender, serve, follow, and obey Jesus Christ. Every single person is born into sin. We have a sinful nature. Try as hard as we might we will never be able to cleanse ourselves of this sin stain. We can try to be good and do right, but all of our efforts apart from Jesus Christ fall short and do nothing to make us right before God. The Judgment for sin is eternal torment in Hell. Without repentance from sin and faith in and obedience to Jesus Christ our destination is eternal hell.

The light of the Gospel is life to the lost. It gives them hope and faith in eternal heaven. Those, who’s have seen and securely taken hold of the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (believed in, trusted, rely on, cling to and repent). I am at a loss for words that can explain how the conversion, new birth, takes place upon repenting and believing in Jesus Christ. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. We are born again and the eyes to our hearts and minds are opened and we see right and wrong, good and bad, love and hate, peace and fear, mercy and anger ……. We see it through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Heaven and Hell await the free will choice that each and every person makes this side of eternity.