There cometh one mightier than I after me.
Christ mightier than the Baptist
This not then apparent. As the two met on the banks of the Jordan it appeared the reverse: John the embodiment of matured strength; mighty in word, wondrously successful; the great man of the epoch. Jesus had given no evidence of greatness. But things are not what they seem. Jesus is mightier than John.
I. In His person. “The power of God.”
II. In His preaching. Neither in manner nor matter did John “astonish” as Christ did. Christ’s words were spirit and life.
III. In his works. John did no miracle.
IV. In the permanence of His ministry. We hear the last of John’s disciples in Acts 19:1-7. Christ’s disciples are an ever-increasing belly today.
V. In His death. Christ’s death really began His ministry: John’s closed his.
VI. In His power over the human heart. John could only move its fears while he was here; Christ can win its love and devotion now that He has gone. (Anon.)
Unloosing Eastern sandals
The custom of loosing the sandals from off the feet of an Eastern worshipper was ancient and indispensable. It is also commonly observed in visits to great men. The sandals, or slippers, are pulled off at the door, and either left there or given to a servant to bear. The person to bear them was an inferior domestic, or attendant upon a man of high rank, to take care of and to return them to him again. This was the work of servants among the Jews, and it was reckoned so servile that it was thought too mean for a scholar or disciple to do. The Jews say: “All services which a servant does for a master, a disciple does for his master, except unloosing his shoes.” John thought it was too great an honour for him to do that for Christ, which was thought too mean for a disciple to do for a wise man. (Burder.)
The Baptist’s humility
The highest buildings have the lowest foundations. As the roots of a tree descend so the branches ascend. The lower the ebb the higher the tide. Those upon the mountains see only the fog beneath them, whilst those in deep pits see the stars above them. The most fruitful branches bow the lowest. The best trees refused to be king, but the bramble affected it (Judges 9:1-57). (Trapp.)
Retiring with humility in favour of another
He retired with dignity and ease, and with a glowing tribute to our Lord’s Divinity. He had the instinct of the true teacher. That one who would not rather see his disciple surpass him in memorable service for humanity is far too small for his position. Michael Angelo’s monument in the Westminster Abbey of Florence is magnificent, and attracts all eyes; but his humble teacher lies beneath a slab of the church floor, and the very name is worn by the feet of worshippers during the centuries. Who will complain that the two are misplaced? The teacher did his work well, and shines too in the fame of the master. But the disciple had what the master never had. So He who had been baptized by John, possessed what John did not have, and the beauty of John’s ministry lay in a recognition of this fact. He knew as well how to close his life as he had known how to begin it. (Amer. Sunday School Times.)
Shoestrings; humble service
This is what John understood, and what you must understand, that it is an honour to be permitted to do the humblest work for Jesus Christ. If when the queen was riding through our streets, with soldiers before her and soldiers behind, and crowds of people all along the way, you stood there with a little bunch of flowers in your hand and offered them to her, and she took them and thanked you with a smile, I fancy you would be very proud because the queen had been pleased to accept your little service. It was so John the Baptist felt: he felt that there were great, strong angels who would have reckoned it an honour to be allowed to untie the Lord’s shoe latchets, and while the Lord could have such pure servants as these, he felt that he was unworthy the honour. (J. R. Howat.)