Mark 1:7 And preached, saying, There comes one mightier than I after me, the lace of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 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.) Parallel Verses KJV: And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. |
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