ADDITIONAL UPDATE TO YESTERDAY'S POST ABOUT JOHN THE BAPTIST
In speaking of Matt.11:11 and the Organization's doctrines of error, (which claim that anointed ones are greater than John the Baptist, and that John did not qualify to be anointed), I would like to add to yesterday's post, the following:
John the Baptist, who suffered deprivation, was filled with God's spirit, and was beheaded for his faith (Luke 7:24-25,26-27,28; Matt.14:11), is greater (Matt.11:11) than any anointed one before they are resurrected into the kingdom.
Why do many of those called and chosen, prove to become despicably unfaithful?
(Matt.24:48-49,50-51; Heb.10:26,27; Matt.22:8; 25:30)... and thereby, do not enter the kingdom? (Matt.5:20; 7:21; Luke 13:24; Heb.3:11). They leave holy spirit, and it's direction (Col.2:19; Rom.8:9,11).
Jesus referred to John as "a reed swayed by the wind".
This "wind" is God's spirit (Ec.11:5; Eze.37:9; Acts 2:2,4). Those who allow it to move them....
those "swayed" by it are referred to, at John 3:8, where Jesus said:
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
Those born of this wind are directed by it and relay it's sound, though others do not understand how these are directed. John fully fulfilled Christ's description of him, as a reed swayed (and born) by God's spirit. He referred to him as Elijah the Prophet (Matt.17:12-13; Isa.40:3; Matt.3:3) which figure stands (along with Moses) as a symbol of the greatest anointed prophets in the kingdom (Matt.17:2-3). This symbol is also for one of the last two prophets (Matt.17:10-11,3; (Acts 3:21; Rom.8:21; 1Cor.13:10; Matt.25:6; Rev.16:12) Rev.11:3,4; Zech.4:3,4,9,11,12,14), as referring to the purpose, responsibility, and role of these last two; along with the meaning of what it means to be "Moses".
All those of "Elijah" prepare the way just before God's arrival, ...to call God's people to repentance and preparedness.
All those of "Moses" give a witness to the Gentile powers which hold God's people captive. They lead God's people to freedom, and relay God's laws and requirements, previous to their entry into the longed for Home of Paradise.
These two last prophets to God's people (according to God's promise and prophecy) are needed, and present at the end of our age, just as the scroll of Revelation establishes.
Here is a link with more information:
http//pearl-johnbaptist.blogspot.com/
In speaking of Matt.11:11 and the Organization's doctrines of error, (which claim that anointed ones are greater than John the Baptist, and that John did not qualify to be anointed), I would like to add to yesterday's post, the following:
John the Baptist, who suffered deprivation, was filled with God's spirit, and was beheaded for his faith (Luke 7:24-25,26-27,28; Matt.14:11), is greater (Matt.11:11) than any anointed one before they are resurrected into the kingdom.
Why do many of those called and chosen, prove to become despicably unfaithful?
(Matt.24:48-49,50-51; Heb.10:26,27; Matt.22:8; 25:30)... and thereby, do not enter the kingdom? (Matt.5:20; 7:21; Luke 13:24; Heb.3:11). They leave holy spirit, and it's direction (Col.2:19; Rom.8:9,11).
Jesus referred to John as "a reed swayed by the wind".
This "wind" is God's spirit (Ec.11:5; Eze.37:9; Acts 2:2,4). Those who allow it to move them....
those "swayed" by it are referred to, at John 3:8, where Jesus said:
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
Those born of this wind are directed by it and relay it's sound, though others do not understand how these are directed. John fully fulfilled Christ's description of him, as a reed swayed (and born) by God's spirit. He referred to him as Elijah the Prophet (Matt.17:12-13; Isa.40:3; Matt.3:3) which figure stands (along with Moses) as a symbol of the greatest anointed prophets in the kingdom (Matt.17:2-3). This symbol is also for one of the last two prophets (Matt.17:10-11,3; (Acts 3:21; Rom.8:21; 1Cor.13:10; Matt.25:6; Rev.16:12) Rev.11:3,4; Zech.4:3,4,9,11,12,14), as referring to the purpose, responsibility, and role of these last two; along with the meaning of what it means to be "Moses".
All those of "Elijah" prepare the way just before God's arrival, ...to call God's people to repentance and preparedness.
All those of "Moses" give a witness to the Gentile powers which hold God's people captive. They lead God's people to freedom, and relay God's laws and requirements, previous to their entry into the longed for Home of Paradise.
These two last prophets to God's people (according to God's promise and prophecy) are needed, and present at the end of our age, just as the scroll of Revelation establishes.
Here is a link with more information:
http//pearl-johnbaptist.blogspot.com/
Hello Sister P. I of course could be wrong, but it appears to me from the verses that Jesus did not refer to John as a "reed swayed by the wind". He was asking the crowd what they went into the wilderness to see. And that you don't go into the wilderness to see these/certain things e.g. a man dressed in fine clothes etc. Rather it seemed it was a rhetorical question leading to his point that John was a prophet and that's what they went to see. What am I missing?
ReplyDeleteLove in Christ... Anon
--(I will have to divide my reply into two sections, due to limited allowed space in each comment.)
DeleteJesus was not acknowledging that the people went to see a prophet. In fact, he was pointing out their inability to recognize the true nature of John the Baptist. Jesus made a different point with each and every phrase. None of his words were wasted.
The context is very important.
Please note the situation that brought about Christ's words, which can be found at Matt.11:2,3,4,5,6:
"When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is *anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Did you notice that John's messengers just asked Jesus *publicly who Jesus was? John did not ask because he did not know (John 1:28,29,32,34,35,36). John knew that the messengers he sent with the question were the ones who needed to hear Christ's reply, as well as the rest of Christ's audience. John knew that their question would give Jesus the opportunity to teach the people, ...to teach them that when a prophet fulfills God's very own description of him, then that one is genuine. (continued)
(continued) --In response to the question about Jesus really being the messiah, Jesus finishes his testimony about himself IN HARMONY WITH GOD'S WORDS (Isa.35:5,6). Jesus knew also, that John would be aware of the consolation Jesus was sending him personally, as John faced death, located in the verse just before, at Isa.35:4.
DeleteTo get back,
Jesus was speaking about the tendency of people to have fleshly expectations and conclusions, which makes them spiritually blind. When men are focused on the flesh, they forget to understand things (and people) according to God's word. This is why Christ's words at Mark 6:4 are so true. After validating his own identity by means of scripture (Isa.35:5), Jesus proceeds to do the same about John.
These verses (Matt.11:2,3,4,5,6) lead right into Jesus' question in verses 7-10:
"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? 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. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one *about whom it is written:*
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’"
As you can see, this is consistent with the previous verses. Jesus points out the insensibility of people's perspectives.
What caused them to gape at John? Was it because they knew him to be "a reed swayed by the wind"? He follows by saying "If not" [if they did not come because they recognized who he was (according to scripture)], then what? "A man in fine clothes?" Obviously not (Matt.3:4). Those attracted by fine outer appearance, are physical-minded men indeed! (1Sam.16:7; James 2:1,2,3,4,5)
If they did not come out to hear John for either reason, did they really know who he was?
Then Jesus reveals to the crowd, that they can recognize "Elijah" the same way that they can recognize the Messiah....
through God's prophetic Word. (Mal.3:1)
The natural inclination of men is to view things and people physically. Believe me...I deal with it all the time. They do not search according to God's Word alone, which they should, and need to do. This unreasonableness blinds them to the truths of prophecy, and causes an inability to recognition the true messengers of God. Our eye must be "simple" (Matt.6:22), meaning that we view things through the scriptures alone.
Jesus finished by saying, "Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Why? Because most people do reject the true messengers of God, because those messengers are not what most people expect to see (1Cor.1:27) ...and then they are stumbled. By using only God's word and viewing things spiritually, those searching will not be "stumbled" by their own fleshly view...(a literal, plant that is a reed, ...or a literal, finely dressed man.). Keep in mind Matt.13:34
[SIDEPOINT: Isa.35:5 also applies today, in regard to the understanding of Revelation (Isa.29:18; Dan.12:4,9; 8:17; 10:14; Rev.22:10).]
As regards Christ's mention of a "reed swayed by the wind", it helps us to remember that a reed in the time of Jesus was used as a pen. We see this symbol applied at Rev.11:1. There the apostle John who was the WRITER of Revelation, was given a *reed "like a rod, to measure" the temple, the altar, and those worshiping there.
DeleteWhen we perceive this reed that John was handed symbolized a pen, and his writing was used as a rod of discipline (Prov.22:15; 2Sam.7:14; Luke 21:24; Matt.5:13), we grasp more fully why his writings "measured" God's worshipers. The scroll of Revelation (penned by John) consists of God's appraisal of His people (measurement/judgment), and Christ's discipline to the congregations (as read in chapters 1-3). As John continues to write the 22 chapters, we are given symbolic depictions of how the unfaithful are measured, and why they receive their condemnation. The wicked deeds they are preforming are exposed, as is God's judgment upon them. - We also receive depictions and measurements of God's temple (1Pet.2:5,9; 1Cor.3:16; Rev.11:2; 13:7) and the altar of sacrifice (Rev.2:28; 13:8) (Rev.11:1).
Since John was inspired by holy spirit in writing Revelation, his "reed"/pen was guided by that spirit. The spirit is symbolized by wind/breath (John 3:8; 20:22).
Therefore, "a reed swayed by the wind" is such a prophet (2Pet.1:21; 2Tim.3:16).
There have been many such reeds (Matt.2:5; 26:56; Mark 1:2; Luke 3:4; 18:31; 4:17; John 1:45; 6:45; Acts 15:15; etc.)
"If John the Baptist, who suffered deprivation, was filled with God's spirit, and was beheaded for his faith (Luke7:24,25,26,27,28; Matt.14:11), is greater (Matt.11:11) than any anointed one before they are resurrected; why do many of those chosen invited prove to become despicably unfaithful?
ReplyDelete(Matt.24:48,49,50,51; Heb.10:26,27; Matt.22:8; 25:30)"
"yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
Jesus said IN the Kingdom of the heavens...that is,those who were sealed and had proved faithful...not those who were invited apostate. Why would Jesus be comparing John to them ?? They wont be IN the Kingdom as sealed faithful. Jesus was talking about faithful anointed ones.
I was not stating my own view,
DeleteI was disputing the published view of the Organization.
It is they who say that all anointed ones are greater than John the Baptist.
But I will add,
that even the faithful anointed are not greater than John, PREVIOUS TO RESURRECTION.
I invite you to explain to me, how it seems to you that faithful anointed (previous to resurrection) are by virtue, "greater than John the Baptist".
One more look at
"yet whoever is least IN the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
reveals that while sealed anointed may indeed have their names written in heaven (Luke10:20; Heb.12:23),
they still await the fulfillment of the heavenly promises to come, and that Kingdom of Heaven to arrive. They are not yet glorified IN that kingdom (Rom.8:24,18; Heb.9:15; 10:36; 13:14; 11:1; Rev.3:12; 17:12). Anointed or not, neither was John the Baptist.
The organization says that anointed are and always will be, greater than John the Baptist.
The Bible says that FAITHFUL anointed IN the kingdom are greater than John the Baptist.
In truth, John the Baptist was not in the kingdom...NOT because he was Not Anointed,
but because like all anointed, he was not yet in the kingdom. Yet of all not yet in the kingdom, he was greatest.
Matt.11:11 does not prove John to be UNanointed. It only proves that those IN the kingdom of God, will then be greater than John was.
Remember also what Jesus said at Matt.11:9 to balance our view of Matt.11:11. To say that John the baptist was greater than a prophet is a very weighty designation. The prophets, along with the apostles, are the very foundation of God's spiritual temple and the abiding place of divine spirit (Eph.2:20,21,22). If John is greater than the 12 apostles and 7 prophets (symbolic number), than he is among the 4 living creatures. I believe him to be the first... the one who introduces the Son of God (Rev.6:1,2; John 1:34). Hopefully you will read the Greek interlinear of Rev.6:1, and you will see that the living creatures do not say "Come" as some negligent translations assert, but rather they say "Come AND SEE". -- Like Moses (Num.12:6,7,8), the 4 living creatures are greater than standard prophets. They are equipped with spiritual sight (Rev.4:6) and sent by God, to awaken the eyes of those who are spiritually blind to the enemy (dire, present, spiritual threat) and the only available deliverance from it. They are the *only messengers of God, who perceive and comprehend the spiritual reality. Their message identifies the threat, and contains the only available means of salvation from an enemy, and they must testify about both... hence their words to all, "Come, *and See!"
Deletehttps://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/rev6.pdf
DeleteI have another throught to add about those "in the kingdom" as being greater than John the Baptist AT THE TIME *BEFORE JOHN WAS MARTYRED for his faith. Those sealed to reign in the kingdom, already have a history of dying for Christ (**Mark 8:35; Rev.6:9,10,11; 12:10-11; Rom.6:3,4,5,6). When we are condemned to death today by the Gentile Beast... [who was authorized by the false prophet to do so (Rev.13:11-15; John 16:2; Rev.11:3,7)] ...our faithful endurance through that threat gains for us a spiritual birth and inheritance of the kingdom (Rev.13:10; Luke 21:19,24; Rom.6:8; 2Tim.2:11-12). We then have a spirit life (Rom.8:9) through our faithful deaths. We are born of spirit and are born of God (John 3:6; 1:12; Gal.3:26,27,29). This symbolic death of our fleshly nature is necessary in order to inherit the kingdom (1Cor.15:50; Rom.8:13; Gal.5:17). We surrender our fleshly life to that death with all the loss it entails, resulting in being made alive in the spirit, like Jesus (Col.3:3; 1Pet.3:18; Rom.6:11,22,23; 8:11,9). Once we've died to sin by facing rejection by men (Matt.5:10,11,12; Mark 13:13; Heb.13:13); we are born of spirit and eligible to inherit the kingdom (1Cor.15:50,54). Our death is our birth (Mark 8:35). After Jesus died for the sins of the obedient (John 15:13,14; 2Cor.5:15; 1John 1:7); we need not literally and physically die because he died for us. But if we wish to have a spiritual birth, a symbolic death IS required. (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/symbolic-death-by-means-of-world.html)
DeleteAt the point in time when Matt.11:11 was taking place, Jesus had not yet died for the sins of the faithful. John the baptist also, had not yet literally been killed by Herod Antipas. Once he did die faithfully, he was granted spirit life, and is an even greater one in the Kingdom of heaven. -- I hope I was able to make this clear... that those of the kingdom have received forgiveness of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus (which had not yet taken place in Matt.11:11) AND have died for Christ in a symbolic way at minimum. John the baptist did not have access to either requisite before his martyrdom. But upon his own faithful death, John would receive forgiveness, a righteous standing that comes through martyrdom, and the kingdom (Luke 1:13,14,15).