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“I [Jesus] tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John…”
– Luke 7:28
John the Baptizer, as he was called, was given the highest commendation of greatness ever bestowed upon a man. The Son of God said, “among those born of women no one is greater than John.” (Luke 7:28a) The Lord also declared that John was a prophet, but “…far more than a prophet.” (Luke 7:26b)
“This is the one it is written about: Look, I am sending My Messenger ahead of You; he will prepare Your way before You.” – Luke 7:27
The angel of the Lord said to Zechariah, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John … He [John] will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb.” (Luke 1:13; 1:15b)
When the angelic visitor announced John’s unexpected birth, “Fear came on all those who lived around [Zechariah and Elizabeth]…” (Luke 1:65) and their friends asked, “What then will this child become?” (Luke 1:66b)
The answer to that question came swiftly, “…Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied [about John]: (Luke 1:67)
“…child, you will be called a prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord
to prepare His ways, to give His people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins.”
– Luke 1:76-77
Six months later when the angel Gabriel was sent to announce the advent of the Messiah, God’s eternal Son “…Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her…” (Luke 1:39-41a)
John, who was the only man in history to ever be filled with God’s Spirit while still unborn, never – performed a miracle, healed the sick, spoke in unknown languages, or raised the dead. It was his courageous witness about the Lamb of God that set him apart for greatness. Greatness in God’s eyes is not based on man’s secular values, so share your witness and pray to always be faithful!
By Billie Hanks, Jr.
