PrayerBits for Wednesday

PrayerBits

A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church

Wednesday: Matthew 11:7-15 Elijah

Scripture lesson: It would take more than a PrayerBit to unpack this passage. It is important not to read too much into the various parts. For instance, we do not need to develop (make up) elaborate stories about violent attacks against the Kingdom of Heaven. This simply means that there has been a lot of violence (by humans) against Godly people. As for Elijah, at the time of Jesus it was thought that Elijah (taken up to heaven while still alive) would return as a precursor for the Messiah. Equating John with Elijah was a sly way of saying that the Messiah has come. The seeming put down of John in vs 11 is just a continuation of Jesus' constant message of the “the first shall be last and the last shall be first” so this was actually a compliment for John.

Time to reflect: Pray and meditate on how you are doing on the humility front.

Jesus Praises John the Baptist

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? Someone* dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet?* Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
   who will prepare your way before you.”
11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence,* and the violent take it by force. 13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; 14and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15Let anyone with ears* listen!