Moral Courage (John the Baptizer)
Moral Courage (John the Baptizer)
Jesus says that John the Baptizer is the final prophet in the line of Elijah, a man of deep Kingdom allegiance and profound moral courage in a day of spiritual decay, and of whom Jesus says “there has arisen no one greater.” Which makes Jesus’ next words all the more shocking: “Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” The least in the Kingdom of God — the simplest and humblest of people who knows the Kingly reign of Jesus — has come into a realm of which John could only catch a hazy glimpse!
Community Practice: Communities of Moral Courage
Read Matthew 11:2-19
Consider John’s question. What is he asking? How does Jesus answer?
What does Jesus say about John? About the “least” in the Kingdom of God?
In what areas do you most resist giving Jesus your total allegiance? Why?
What is moral courage, and why does it matter? How can we be communities of courage?
Reflect back on this series. What habits will reinforce your courage?
June 2, 2024 - Steve Hart