The greatest of the prophets.
Two of John's disciples came to Jesus with the inquiry, "Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another?" Having replied to this inquiry and sent the men away, Jesus seized the opportunity to discourse to the multitude concerning John. Note: Jesus improved every opportunity. In this, as in everything, we should endeavour to follow him. In the description of John we see—
I. THE FEATURES OF A GREAT CHARACTER.
1. Deep and earliest conviction.
2. Superiority to vulgar ambition.
3. Integrity.
4. The favour of God.
II. THE TOKENS OF A GREAT PROPHET.
1. He was a prophet whose coming was predicted.
(a) As forerunner to Messiah;
(b) appearing before the destruction of the second temple, to which Messiah was to come;
(c) as preaching repentance to turn the hearts of the wayward children to the faith of the fathers;
(d) all this before the coming of the day of judgment upon the nation.
2. John was the last and greatest of the prophets.
III. THE LIMITS OF HUMAN GREATNESS.
1. John was the greatest of all that had arisen.
2. Yet is he surpassed by the least in the kingdom.
3. Since John men rush into the kingdom.