What did you go out into the wilderness to look at?

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way before you.”

Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!

- Matthew 11:7-15

In yesterday's reading, John the Baptist's disciples have come to Jesus with a question from John. John asks if Jesus is the one for whom they have been waiting. Clearly, this is a time of tremendous upheaval, in many ways, including spiritual. There is a transition in the air: political, social, and spiritual change is happening. John is in prison. Perhaps he senses the end of his ministry, and is turning to Christ to understand what is to come. Jesus' reply is to assure John that in Christ Isaiah's prophecies are fulfilled.

After John's disciples leave, Jesus continues by speaking to the crowds about John the Baptist: 'What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces.' Perhaps he addresses the crowds as to the "roughness" of John and his life, and his current imprisoned state. John has not been in "soft robes" - and those who dwell in royal palaces wearing soft robes are the ones responsible for his imprisonment (and who will be responsible for his violent death).

Jesus continues his words about John: 'What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” ' John is called the "Forerunner" for a reason. He is the one who has announced the imminence of the kingdom. This quotation is from Malachi: clearly Jesus is indicating the John is not just in the great tradition of all the Old Testament prophets, but he is the greatest among them.

'Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ' While John's status as a prophet is as the greatest - he is the one who is to herald the coming of the kingdom - the birth of those born of spirit will be yet another ranking in spiritual terms.

'From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. ' The tremendous upheavals and changes that are happening among them are happening for a reason. There has been a shift in the spiritual realities that are happening among them. The words "the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent have taken it by force" have been interpreted in different ways. Some have understood that this is meant to express the violence in the opponents of John and Jesus. There are yet others making messianic claims who use violence against the Roman rulers in order to bring the kingdom. But another ancient interpretation is that this language is about the "breaking in" of the kingdom itself upon the world. I tend to think it's possible that the latter has great value, given the context. There is a tremendous stirring of realities happening: what is happening on a spiritual level is reflected in the times of turmoil, confusion and upheaval on many levels. The kingdom of heaven is breaking its way into the reality of every day life, into the awareness of people in the here and now at this moment in the gospels. John's heraldry about the kingdom is much more than prophecy: he is the Forerunner, making all those who can hear aware that a great act of "breaking in," of revelation is about to occur, is happening even as he preaches. We mustn't forget he is the one who baptized Jesus, and that at this baptism was the revelation of Trinity: Father, Son and Spirit in the voice of the Father, the naming of Jesus as Son, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. At the same time, we know that the days of martyrdom have begun. Believers (including John the Baptist) will shed their blood as martyrs, making their confession of faith. Those who follow and accept this kingdom will be "made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men" (1 Corinthians 4:9).

'For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!' "Elijah who is to come" refers to Malachi's prophecy that Elijah would return "before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord" (Malachi ch. 4). Jesus has just finished (in the previous chapter) sending out his apostles on their first mission. He has instructed them to tell all those to whom they minister that "the kingdom of heaven has come near." For those who are willing to accept this kingdom, John is "Elijah who is to come." We read in yesterday's commentary that some have interpreted John's question to Jesus as reflective of John's wonder at the mercy preached by Jesus, as John would have expected Judgment at the coming of the kingdom. Here he is affirming to the crowds that this day is here, and it is in his mission of mercy and salvation. Yet, we have also been told that he is here not to bring peace but a sword. While the advent of the kingdom into the world, this "breaking in" upon it, is indeed a mission of mercy and salvation, we must not forget that by its very nature it will also separate us. Some will accept, and some will not. The reality of the prophecy is here. Baptism is no longer by law, but in spirit. Those who wish to accept it must pursue it with all their own might, with zeal, as did John the Baptist - who did not live in "soft robes" but lived and preached with all his heart, and soul and strength, and who would suffer a martyr's violent death.

What does this "breaking in" mean for us today? Are there ways in which the kingdom "breaks in" to your life? Are there ways in which its reality in spirit makes itself known to you? For what do we pray when we seek a relationship with God? Do you feel that the kingdom of heaven has come near? How do you grasp it with your own heart and soul and strength? Have you yourself experienced the difficulties of this commitment?