The G.o.a.t

TITLE: THE G.O.A.T.

SCRIPTURE: ST. MATTHEW 11:11

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 Wilt Chamberlain, but most choose Michael “His Air-ness”

• In Football people will argue for Jim Brown – Jerry Rice – Walter Payton – Joe Montana – Reggie White - 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 or The GOAT

• In Tennis we could argue – Roger Federer – Rafael Nadal – Pete Sampras - Steffi Graff – Martina Navratilova – Chris Evert - or certainly Serena Williams would be in that mix

• In Boxing there is no argument that Muhammad Ali is the GOAT

But who is the greatest man that’s ever been born? Who would be considered the G.O.A.T. when it comes to everyone who has ever lived? We don’t have to debate about it like the sports figures I have already mentioned. Some of you are probably in the pews right now still debating on the various lists I have mentioned and adding to it. However, we don’t have to offer up our various positions or opinions when it comes to the G.O.A.T. that has ever lived.

• Well, according to Jesus (and I’m going to 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”

The “Greatness” that Jesus refers to concerning John has to do with John’s unique position in history, not with any special talent, holiness, or personal merit. In fact, immediately after stating that John is the greatest “AMONG THOSE BORN OF WOMEN,” Jesus says, “YET WHOEVER IS LEAST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS GREATER THAN HE.”

At face value, Jesus’ statement in this simple verse is paradoxical - “TRULY I TELL YOU, AMONG THOSE BORN OF WOMEN THERE HAS NOT RISEN ANYONE GREATER THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST; YET WHOEVER IS LEAST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS GREATER THAN HE.” How can John be the greatest, if even the “least in the kingdom” is greater than John? The answer has to do with the Christian’s unique position in history, not with his personal merit.

• John died without seeing the fullness of God’s plan in Christ

• John never saw the crucifixion of Christ or His glorious resurrection

• Yet even the “least in the kingdom of heaven” knows of these events and understands their meaning

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

• Jesus was identifying the purpose of the life of John and how he walked in and fulfilled his divine Calling and Purpose

I wonder what the Lord will say about us when this life is over.

• Did we understand our Purpose in this life?

• Did we fulfill the Purpose the Lord established for our life?

• Too many Christians just go through the motions of living every day with no real purpose

• Understanding your Purpose will change your lifestyle

• Understanding your Purpose will challenge your Spiritual Growth

• Understanding your Purpose will make this life more enjoyable to live

• Because you are walking and living in your Purpose

I would be willing to admit this morning, this is a challenging text. The biography of John the Baptist is very short compared to the great Prophets of the OT. If you were to take a moment to consider who you would consider to be the Greatest in the Bible, who would make your list?

• Would you select the greatest prophet in the Bible for his great miracles?

• Maybe you would select the greatest prophet in the Bible on great feats that he accomplished

• You might select the greatest prophet in the Bible on his military might

• Maybe you selected the greatest prophet on his unwavering faith

• Most of us may have differing opinions on the matter