Greatness: Matthew 14-20Sample

John the Baptist was a prophet whose life and ministry was foretold in Scripture. Malachi 4:5 speaks of God sending Elijah before the day of the Lord, and this prophecy finds its fulfilment in John. The angel Gabriel tells John’s father, Zechariah, that John will, “go before [Jesus] in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17, ESV). Like Elijah, John’s mission was to call people to repentance and confront corruption boldly.
John prepared the way for Jesus, proclaiming the coming Kingdom of God (Mark 1:3). He baptised people with water as a sign of repentance, but he made it clear that One far greater was coming—Jesus, who would baptise with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:7–8). John’s ministry served as a foreshadowing of Christ’s own. Where John called out the sins of Herod, Jesus challenged the Pharisees, exposing their hypocrisy and revealing deeper motives behind their actions. John pointed people to God; Jesus is God.
John’s fearlessness in confronting sin led to his imprisonment and death. Herodias, offended by John’s bold rebuke of her unlawful marriage, manipulated Herod into ordering John’s execution (Mark 6:17–28). Yet even in death, John’s unwavering commitment to his mission serves as an example of what it means to live wholly for God.
John the Baptist was set apart, single-minded in his devotion to proclaiming God’s truth. His life challenges us to consider our own call to point others to Jesus with courage and conviction. Like John, we are called to stand firm, even when it sets us apart from the world. May his example inspire us to proclaim God’s Kingdom boldly, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us in faithfulness.
Today, ponder this: In what parts of your life do you find it hard to commit or stand firm to following Jesus? Take time to pray through these situations today.
Scripture
About this Plan

What is The Kingdom? Follow along in Jesus teachings, encounters and miracles. From Jesus walking on water to unveiling the call to sacrificial love, Matthew 14–20 reveals a counter cultural Kingdom that challenges earthly expectations and invites us into radical grace, servant-hearted leadership, and unwavering faith. Each devotion will reflect on the upside-down values of the Kingdom, urging us to step beyond comfort and embrace Christ’s way of living.
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