Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.
Isn’t it strange? John didn’t perform any miracles. This is the man who prepared the people to receive Jesus. He preached to thousands, baptized thousands!
Yet…no miracles! Not even one.
But Jesus does many wonderful things and the people understand John’s testimony about Him was absolutely true - And in that place many believed in Jesus.
John’s life was the work of a student of Jesus. The crowning achievement of John’s life was when those who knew him and listened to him came to believe in Jesus too. Without miracles, John’s life was a complete success.
And which is greater? To perform a supernatural feat, the effects of which are locked in a moment of time? Or to point people to Jesus who can change their lives for time and eternity?
After all there is something greater than a miracle and that is the purpose for which a miracle is given. Jesus performed miracles so people would believe in Him. John did what was in his power to further the same end.
Here is the result that leads to a triumph superseding all miracles.
For trusting and following Jesus leads to a changed life and a changed destiny!
This is what John had in mind for himself and for others when He devoted his life to testifying about what Jesus could do.
No miracles for John, but without them he did very well what every student of Jesus desires to do.
“all that John said about this man was true”
ReplyDeleteJohn passed the prophecy test, described in the OT in a few different places:
Jer 28:9 As for the prophet that prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pas, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.
Duet 18:21-22 And if you say in your heart, “How may we know that the Lord has spoken?” – when the prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.
When someone is able to foretell the future, then one knows God is with Him. John passes this test, and the people saw it, and realized all John said about Jesus was true. As well, and more importantly - they believed in Jesus.
“it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it”
Similar to John 9 about the blind man, neither his sin nor his parents was the cause – Jesus said it was “that the works of God might be displayed in him.” He was born blind so that he could be healed and bring God glory through Jesus the Son.
Same here with Lazarus – his trial (sickness) would be to serve the purpose of bringing God glory through the Son.
How do we react when going through trials?
Do we trust and pray and wait – for God to be glorified?