The Lord's Witness of John The Baptist
Jesus affirms that John the Baptist was a "burning and shining lamp," highlighting his full and faithful testimony for the Lord. Jesus emphasizes that John’s life was a true witness, and the people waited for his light to shine in rejoicing. In Matthew 11:1-2, John, imprisoned and hearing of Jesus' works, sends his disciples to ask if Jesus is the Messiah or if they should wait for another. Jesus responds by pointing to His miracles—blind see, lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the dead are raised—affirming His identity. Jesus then speaks highly of John, calling him greater than any born of women, yet also states that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he, illustrating the higher privilege of believers today. Stephen notes that John’s public ministry was brief but impactful, preparing the way for Christ. Despite moments of doubt or puzzlement, John’s integrity remains intact, and Jesus defends him against criticism, emphasizing his principled character. Stephen underscores the importance of being a burning, shining lamp filled with the Holy Spirit, living on the lampstand of the church, and shining brightly for Christ. He concludes by urging believers to trust God's higher plan, even in suffering and apparent setbacks, trusting that God's ways are perfect and that His witness over us is vital for our spiritual standing.
Outline of Main Points
Jesus affirms John the Baptist as a "burning and shining lamp" (John 5:35), highlighting his faithful testimony.
John’s brief but impactful ministry prepared the way for Christ; he was a prophet greater than any other born of women.
Despite doubts in prison, John’s integrity remains; Jesus defends him against criticism, emphasizing his principled character.
John’s greatness is measured by his contribution to Christ, not by miracles; he introduced the kingdom of heaven.
Believers are likened to lamps filled with the Holy Spirit, meant to shine on the lampstand (the church), not hidden under bushels or couches.
Living as a lamp on the lampstand involves being filled with the Holy Spirit and living in the place God has appointed.
Trust in God's higher plan is essential, especially when facing suffering or confusion; God's ways are perfect.
John’s death exemplifies the strange and often difficult ways God works, yet his voice endures as a faithful witness.
33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. 34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. 35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
