After Jesus had finished instructing His disciples, He went into the towns preaching and teaching. At this point, John the Baptist was in prison. He heard about what Jesus was doing and sent his disciples to Jesus to find out if He was the One who is to come or if they should continue waiting for someone else.
Jesus’ response to them was to say that the blind can see, the deaf can hear, the lame can walk, the dead are raised, those with leprosy are healed, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on His account.
As John’s disciples left to bring him the message, Jesus turned to the crowd and asked what they went into the wilderness for. Was is a reed in the wind, a well-dressed man, or a prophet? Jesus says it was for someone greater than a prophet because John is the one written about:
“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 went on to say there has been no one greater born than John, and yet whoever is least is greater. Jesus proclaims that John is the Elijah who was to come.
John came neither eating nor drinking and he was called demon possessed. The Son of Man comes eating and drinking and He is called a drunk and a glutton. However, wisdom is proved right by her deeds.
This passage of scripture focuses on Jesus confirming who some questioned John may have been, and also who others think Jesus might be. Jesus is confirming that John is the Elijah that God promised, and He of course is the Son of Man. This was an important moment. God’s promise is being fulfilled right before their very eyes. Of course some wouldn’t believe…but that’s no different than today. God fulfilled His plan of redemption…and yet some do not believe. It’s up to us to share the truth…are you willing?
A Journey With Jesus 