John The Baptist: G.o.a.t. Series

SUPER MEN - John the Baptist: G.O.A.T.

June 30, 2019

Matthew 11:1-15 (p. 682)

Introduction:

In sports there’s an acronym used to describe the greatest of all time…It’s the word GOAT - GREATEST OF ALL TIME…G.O.A.T.

Many believe in basketball that Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time. Some vote for LeBron or Will Chamberlain, but most choose Michael “His Air-ness.”

In football people will argue for Joe Montana or Tom Brady…occasionally Brett Favre or Terry Bradshaw…each have an argument for the greatest of all time.

In golf its Jack Nicklaus, or Tiger Woods…maybe some old school folks will throw in Bobby Jones, but most agree it’s either Jack or Tiger.

In hockey there’s almost consensus…It’s Wayne Gretzky…His name is even “The Great One.”

Baseball has its argument over Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Pete Rose and Cal Ripken Jr… “The Iron Man.” And probably a few others, about which was the greatest of all time… The GOAT.

But whose the greatest man that’s ever been born…the GOAT when it comes to everyone who’s ever lived?

Well, according to Jesus (and I’m gonna let Him be the judge on this) it’s John the Baptist.

Jesus said, and I quote, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.”

When Jesus says “born of women,” he’s literally saying, “among anyone ever born.” Moses had a mom…David had a mom…Abraham had a mom…everyone ever born had a mom…and Jesus is simply saying, John the Baptist is “The Greatest of All Time,” The G.O.A.T.

So, we’ve looked at a lot of Super Men this past month. Why does Jesus say John is the superest?

Well, Jesus’ evaluation is always going to come from a heavenly perspective…from the truth that God has created us each for a purpose…so the greatest person ever born would be the one who fulfills that purpose best…

You see John was much more than a prophet…

I. HE WAS THE BEST MAN TO THE BRIDEGROOM

Jesus quotes Malachi the prophet when He describes John the Baptist’s purpose. He says, John is the one he wrote about when he wrote…“I will send my messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way before you.” (Mal. 3:1)

It’s a description of the Best Man’s role in Jewish weddings…the best man went ahead of the groom…announced his arrival…made sure everything and everyone was ready for the week long festivities.

Jesus tells a parable in Matthew 25 that helps us understand…Listen:

MATTHEW 25:1-13 (p. 694)

John the Baptist was the one crying out…“Here’s the Bridegroom! Come out to meet Him. Wake up! He’s here! ARE YOU READY?”

It’s pretty clear this parable has a double application…It can apply to the Jews who were waiting for the Messiah…and it can apply to this present age as we await Jesus’ promised return.

John was the best man that came for the purpose of announcing Jesus as the Messiah. The Church, is to play that role in the announcement of His second coming.

John the Baptist held his revival meetings in the wilderness of Judea…His message was “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near”…Matthew 3 gives us a firsthand view of Jesus’ Best Man and why he’s the G.O.A.T.

MATTHEW 3:3-12 (p. 676)

Jesus tells the crowds…When you came to see John in the wilderness…He wasn’t a reed swayed by the wind! He wasn’t a guy dressed in fine clothes…He was a prophet…but more than just a prophet….he was the preacher sent to prepare the way for the Messiah.

The greatest purpose done by the greatest man…and all the people who heard Jesus’ words responded this way…

LUKE 7:29-30 (p. 721)

You can accept God’s purpose or reject God’s purpose…You can be ready when the groom shows up…or not.

You don’t have to listen even if the preacher is dressed in camel hair and leather…and has the spirit of Elijah. Tax collectors and sinners recognized the need for repentance…The “Religious” Folks…The Pharisees…overwhelmingly rejected it. Religious people seem to really hate it when you make Jesus more important than their traditions.

John the Baptist had a message for them when they came out just to observe and evaluate…He said, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance…The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:7-9)

The last Old Covenant prophet has a message of preparation…“Repent…get ready…God’s coming.”

And John wasn’t afraid to fulfill this purpose whether his audience was blue collar or royalty…no wonder Jesus said he was the greatest of all time.

But John wasn’t just bold and courageous in fulfilling his purpose.