Thursday 2nd July 2020 Devotion
Scripture:- Mark 9
Topic:- Why Jesus Did Not Resurrect John The Baptist After He Was Beheaded
Text:- Acts 13:25
See Why Jesus Did Not Resurrect John The Baptist After He Was Beheaded. One of the notable miracles of Jesus Christ was resurrecting Lazarus from the dead.
Lazarus was a friend of Jesus. His two sisters, Mary and Martha were also close friends to Jesus. In fact, it was also noted that Jesus wept because of his friend Lazarus’s death.
Jesus proved Himself with uncountable number of miracles during His lifetime on earth. He even fixed back someone’s ear that was cut off. So, why did Jesus not bother about resurrecting John the Baptist after he was beheaded:
- The relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus was way beyond friendship because they were related by blood. Yes. John the Baptist was Jesus cousin. John’s mother, Elizabeth was a cousin to Mary, Jesus mother. John was 6 months older than Jesus Christ.
- Not only that, John the Baptist was the fore runner or announcer of Jesus ministry on earth. Jesus Christ could not just embark on His earthly assignment until John the Baptist had prepared the way for Him by preaching the message of repentance and baptizing people with water for repentance.
- John the Baptist remarked that while he himself baptized the people with water, that Jesus would baptize them with the Holy Ghost and with fire.
- Shortly after Jesus had started His ministry, John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod the King in response to a wicked request made by a little girl (influenced by her wicked mother) who impressed him in a dance performance. To abridge the long story, when John was beheaded in prison, his disciples came and took his body and buried it.
- Surprisingly, when Jesus learnt of the death of John the Baptist, He left that place and continued His preaching ministry. Why would He do that? Why could He not raise John the Baptist, his own cousin from death?
- Recall that before John was beheaded, while in prison, he even sent a message to Jesus informing Him of his predicament. Why did Jesus ignore him? Seeing He could perform miracles, signs and wonders, why couldn’t He help His own cousin, of all people?
a. Firstly, in Mark 9:12-13, Jesus remarked that John the Baptist was the Elijah who was to come and that he has been illtreated by the people, as it was written concerning him.
b. Secondly, in Acts 13:25, Paul also stated vividly that John fulfilled his course (ministry). - Having understood these Scriptures, it occurred to me that Jesus did not just abandon John to suffer in prison or purposely refused to resurrect him although he had the power to do so. Jesus Christ understood that what was happening to John was God’s will for him. So, He did not try to alter or interfere with it, but allowed God to carry out His purpose in John’s life.
- Recall that already, there was a ‘silent war’ going on between Jesus disciples and John’s disciples about baptism. It also seemed like some of John’s followers were now leaving him to follow Jesus.
- In conclusion, Jesus knew perfectly well that John had fulfilled his assignment and it was time for him to go. So, He did not bother to resurrect him after he was beheaded.
- The most important thing was that John the Baptist fulfilled God’s purpose and assignment for his life.
a. Don’t be too quick to judge people in any circumstance they find themselves. You may not know if that is part of God’s plan for their lives.
b. Also, even your unpleasant circumstances may be part of God’s plan to work out his ultimate purpose for your life. Don’t give up!
Prayer Point:- Oh Lord God, let me be part of Your plan to work out Your ultimate purpose for my life henceforth by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Have A Wonderful Thursday!
