The G.O.A.T. ∙

The G.O.A.T. ∙

I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! – Matthew 11:11

John 1:6-8

 6 God sent a man, John the Baptist,

 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.

 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.

Throughout history, a tiny group of people has been identified as the G.O.A.T. in their area of expertise. They are the Greatest of All Time in their field. The acronym G.O.A.T. is often used to praise exceptional athletes, musicians, entertainers, coaches, writers, composers, politicians, and other public figures. On social media, it is common to see the goat emoji used to represent the acronym.

While some argue that Bill Belichick deserves much of the credit for the Patriots’ success, it’s difficult to deny the critical role played by Tom Brady. Brady has started in 10 Super Bowls, accomplishing more at the highest level than any other NFL quarterback. As a result, he is widely regarded as the G.O.A.T.

Across the spectrum of human achievement, a few of the many names that stand out are Plato, Aristotle, Archimedes, Caesar, Cleopatra, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Paganini, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Albert Einstein, Madame Curie, Liane B. Russell, Jack Nicklaus, Jim Thorpe, Babe Ruth, Jerry Rice, Wayne Gretzky, Lisa Leslie, Carl Lewis, Michael Jordan, Wilma Rudolph, Muhammad Ali, Michael Phelps, Bo Jackson, Pele, Roger Federer, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, etc.

The Scriptures highlight several remarkable figures, including Abraham, Joseph, Ruth, Daniel, Esther, David, the Apostle John, and the Apostle Paul. They stand out as exceptional. Many of the Old Testament’s extraordinary individuals are chronicled in Hebrews 11. However, according to the Lord Jesus Christ, no one is greater than John the Baptist. He is regarded as the greatest person of all time.

Matthew 11:11 I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist.

John the Baptist was fully dedicated and committed to fulfilling the Father’s purpose for his life. He willingly relinquished everything that was usually deemed important by people. He chose to live a rugged, solitary life in the wilderness, foregoing the simple pleasures of socializing, regular food, and clothing. In numerous ways, he was an uncommon and peculiar individual. He was an extreme, ascetic outlier. He would likely not have been welcomed with open arms in our churches or homes.

Mark 1:6 His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food, he ate locusts and wild honey.

Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist did not spend his time eating bread or drinking wine.

John was chosen for the greatest of all missions. He was selected as the forerunner, the herald of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 16:16 Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in.

During his time of isolation, he earned his backside of the desert degree (BDD). During this phase, the Father prepared John to fulfill his mission. John grew mighty in his spirit. He is the only person in the Scriptures identified as such.

Luke 1:80 John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father alone is in control and guides the destiny of each of us. No one can receive anything unless the Father gives it from heaven (John 3:27). Once we settle this for ourselves, we can be serenely peaceful in the knowledge that we are under the infinite and loving care of the Father.

Father John the Baptist was the greatest of all men. Make me mighty in spirit that I will fulfill the mission You have for me.

INSIGHT

At precisely the right moment in history, the Father brought John the Baptist onto the scene to prepare the way for the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 1:6-8

 6 God sent a man, John the Baptist,

 7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.

 8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.

Matthew 3:1-12

 1 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was,

 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

 3 The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

 5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John.

 6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

 11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone who is greater than I am is coming soon – so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

For a short period, John the Baptist was the center of attention. His job was to work himself out of a job. At the right time, the Lord Jesus Christ came. He was the Messiah, the Savior of the world, the Lamb of God, and the Father’s ultimate spokesperson. John gladly passed the torch to Him and receded off center stage.

John 3:30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

John understood clearly that he was merely the forerunner sent to announce the main attraction. When the Lord Jesus Christ appeared, John stepped aside.

John 3:28-31

 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’

 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success.

 31 “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else.

John understood an essential Biblical truth, embodied it, and lived it out. The Father is the one who is in charge, and He equips the children of the King with the necessary abilities, talents, and strength to fulfill the tasks He assigns to them.

John 3:27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.

Matthew 21:32 For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live.

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© Dr. H 2023