 | Reverend Terry G. Fox is Senior Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church. He is Chairman of the North American Mission Board, member of its Executive Committee and the FamilyNet Broadcast Communications Committee, as well as numerous other subcommittees. He's listed on the Who's Who Among Outstanding Corporate Executives. He is a sought after speaker and has traveled and ministered in many places in the United States, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Rev. Fox and his wife Barbara have three children. You may contact him at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1415 South Topeka, Wichita, Kansas, 67211; phone (316) 262-1452; or Fax (316) 262-4704. |
Religion
2005-04-01 10:50:00
Is John the Baptist greater than Mary?
: In Matthew 11:11, Jesus said: "Amen, I say to you that, among those born of women, there has not arisen a greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than he." Since John the Baptist was born after Jesus' mother, was he saying that John is greater than Mary?
ANSWER: Jesus statement must have startled His listeners. Greater than Moses? Greater than King David or Elijah? Why? Jesus would later explain to His Apostles that after His Ascension the Holy Spirit would come into His followers and remain with them permanently. This had not occurred before His payment for sins. Now the Spirit which had come upon men for specific needs would be resident in the Christians. In this sense, the simplest Believer has a status greater than the best of mankind before.But they would not have asked the question you asked: "Was He saying that John the Baptist was greater than His mother?" The early Christians did not think of Mary, Jesus’ mother, as occupying a special status. Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell of Jesus being interrupted while speaking to a crowd. (Mt. 12:46-50, Mk. 3:31-34,Lk. 8:19-21) His mother and half-brothers were outside wanting to speak to Him. He replied, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? Pointing to His disciples, He said, ' Here are my mother and my brothers.' " It is remarkable that all three biographers tell this event that sounds almost impolite. Why? Mark 3:20-21 tells that just before that event, Jesus family heard about Jesus talking to large crowds and "went to take charge of Him, for they said, 'He is out of His mind.' " John 7:2-10 tells of His brothers urging Him to go to Jerusalem where more people would hear Him. But He sent them on, saying that the time was not right for Him to go. But after His brothers had left, He and His disciples went there quietly. It is clear that He did not want to put His mother or half-brothers on the public podium with Himself. Perhaps they were not ready to be questioned about Him and would create problems.While John's Gospel tells us that Mary was at the cross when Jesus was near death, she is not mentioned as one at the tomb on Easter morning-- although two other Marys were there-- nor as one to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection. However, after Jesus' ascension, His mother and brothers were at the prayer meeting of about 120 followers. (Acts 1:14) And His half-brother, James, became the leader of the Jerusalem church and wrote a "book" of the New Testament. I Cor. 9:5 tells of His brothers being travelling evangelists, along with the apostles about 15 years after the resurrection. But Mary, Jesus mother, was never mentioned in the Bible after that prayer meeting event. In later centuries, Mary was gradually made an important part of some Christian's teachings. But the comment you asked about is not a problem. Mary was in the same situation as the other followers of Christ. Mary was saved by the death of her son. He died in her place, as He did for all people, and those who believe in Him and submit to His lordship, are forgiven of sins, given a new Spiritual nature and assured of Heaven. We will see Mary there!
