Kingdom Incarnate Part 2

At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Incarnate,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.

We are continuing in our series ‘Kingdom Incarnate’, which endeavors to teach us to ‘see’ and ‘know’ Jesus in the gospels. This week, we will discuss John the Baptist and briefly examine his viewpoint.

John 1:29–34 (NIV)
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

In John 1:19-23, John the Baptist is approached by Jewish leaders seeking to clarify his identity. Despite his growing influence and the anticipation surrounding his ministry, John firmly denies being the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet. Instead, he identifies himself as merely “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” This humble self-assessment underscores John’s understanding of his role: not to draw attention to himself but to prepare the way for Jesus. His refusal to accept titles demonstrates his commitment to pointing others toward Christ, not his own significance.

Matthew 11:7–11 (NIV)
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

In Matthew 11:7-11, Jesus provides a striking commentary on John’s life and ministry. Addressing the crowd, Jesus honors John as “more than a prophet” and declares him the greatest born of women. This extraordinary statement highlights the pivotal role John played in salvation history. As the forerunner of the Messiah, John was uniquely positioned to bridge the Old Covenant and the New, fulfilling prophecy and ushering in the era of the kingdom of God. Yet, despite John’s greatness, Jesus adds a profound paradox: “The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

This paradox reflects the transformative reality of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. While John heralded the coming of the Messiah, he did not live to witness the complete revelation of God’s redemptive plan. Those who follow Jesus after His resurrection, even the least in the kingdom, possess a fuller understanding of God’s grace and the work of Christ. They experience the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the new covenant reality that John only anticipated.

Together, these passages reveal the beauty of humility and the unparalleled greatness of knowing Christ fully. John’s life calls believers to point others to Jesus, embracing a posture of selflessness. At the same time, Jesus’ words remind us of our privilege as members of His kingdom—to live in the fullness of His redemptive work and share it with the world.

This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we will discuss all this and more, so be sure to join us in person or online.

Steve Lawes is a pastor at Keys Vineyard Church and also the founder of the Online Bible Institute Network.