Matthew 11:7a KJV
As they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see?
Jesus was giving a tribute or respect to John the Baptist from Matthew 11:1-19. John the Baptist through the messengers had just questioned if Jesus was the true Messiah. The questions had been asked in the presence of all. Some thought John was wavering in his faith, that he was weak and not consistent. The question began if Jesus was the true Messiah. It had affected the crowd and those who already believed that Jesus was the true Messiah that John claimed in his message. So now Jesus had to remind the people who John the Baptist was. There will be several short devotions to focus one topic at a time from the scripture what Jesus said about John the Baptist.
Matthew 3:5-6 NCV “Many people came from Jerusalem and Judea and all area around the Jordan River to hear John. They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.” John ministered in the wilderness of Judea. This was not a desolate, desert-like area. It was a country area with at least six cities around, probably small communities or villages. God uses the wilderness (quiet places) to prepare John’s ministry for 15 years. When John began to preach, the gospel began in wilderness about the coming of the Messiah.
Quietness With God
There is one point that I could share and that is “Quietness” with God is important. Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” God has the very place for every one of us to serve. John’s place was in the wilderness; Christ’s place was in the cities and synagogues as well as the countryside. Where is your place that God has called you to? At home to pray? That is a great calling. Remember “Be still and know that I am God.” There is a message of a song:
In the Quiet of the Morning.
In the quiet of the morning, I will worship Your name.
I will lift my heart with singing, to praise You again.
For it fills my heart with gladness that remains through the day,
In the quiet of the morning, I will worship Your name.
[Music and Word: Couldn’t find the names]
