Although Jesus replaced the imprisoned John the Baptist as the focus of Israel's popular interest, John was not forgotten.  Jesus challenged the crowd about their motives for going to hear John's preaching on the banks of the River Jordan.  There was something very special about that man to have attracted so many.  But what did he offer them?  Despite his unconventional dress, John was not an unstable maverick, nor was there any promise of wealth to draw the crowds.  It was his message, preached with unshakable conviction that fascinated them - the prophecy that God's Messiah was about to arrive.

Although the arrival and work of Jesus was prophesied as far back as Genesis 3:15, many Jews were looking for the fulfilment of Malachi's prophecies written 400 years earlier, "I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,’ says the Lord Almighty." (Malachi 3:1). Jesus reminded them that John was the messenger and that He was the Lord.  They could not just honour John as a prophet without worshipping Jesus as the Lord.

Jesus certainly honoured John by saying he was the world’s greatest man – he was the last of the Old Testament prophets (even though he appears in the New Testament, he was fulfilling the prophetic role of turning people back to God’s covenant); he was the last divinely authorised person to announce the way to Jesus and demand repentance.  But all those who become part of God’s family through believing in Jesus have greater blessings.

Today, it is easy to get caught up in religious excitement; admiring a fine pastor, thrilling over great music or flocking to hear a wonderful speaker.  But all that is useless unless we understand that the messages are leading us to put our trust in Jesus alone.  But sometimes, even the gospel messengers like John the Baptist, get so weighed down with their circumstances that it is necessary for Jesus to bring them back on track too.  Likewise, great music may sway the emotions, but unless we use it to worship the Lord, it will be a spiritual waste of time.  Yes, God's Word has a compelling appeal: but preacher and people alike must continue to respond to what He is saying, and worship with an undiluted heart.