Read Luke 7:24-28

After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

"'I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.'

I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

Reflect

John the Baptizer has the distinction of being one of the few characters in the New Testament who had been predicted in the Old Testament. God said he would send someone like the Old Testament prophet Elijah to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. That was John's role. He may not have been the kind of person the crowds appreciated or fully understood, but he was a great man used mightily by God.

Respond

The way God works and the people God uses may sometimes surprise and even confuse us. Be open to the possibility of God's speaking to you through unexpected sources — and that he might use you to speak his truth and love as well.