Jesus as John's successor.
The events in our Lord's life immediately following upon his temptation are exceedingly difficult to trace. There seems to have been a first ministry in Judaea, but the length of it is much disputed. Then a ministry in Galilee, which seems to have been begun before the news came of John's imprisonment. There is, therefore, a gap between verses 11 and 12 of this chapter. Matthew's general statements can be filled in from the more precise details of the other Gospels, and more especially of John's Gospel. The point on which we fix attention is, that as soon as John's work ceased, Jesus took his work up and carried it on. God never lets his work fail. He always keeps his witnesses witnessing. The removal of one is always the placing of another. The truth is kept alive in the world by a constant succession of truth-bearers; and there never was a time when the Church or the truth was in danger because God had left himself without a witness.
I. A MAN'S SUCCESSOR CARRIES ON A MAN'S WORK. Work out three Scripture illustrations.
1. Joshua, as Moses'successor, carried on Moses' work. That work was the removal of Israel from Egypt, and its settlement in the promised land.
2. Elisha, as Elijah's successor, carried on Elijah's work. The confession of the lip at Carmel had to be made the confession of the life; and that meant quiet, persistent, family work throughout the land.
3. The Lord Jesus carried on the work of John the Baptist. Penitence is but a beginning, a preparation for righteousness. The Lord Jesus led penitent souls on to the joy of pardon and the power of holiness.
II. A MAN'S SUCCESSOR CARRIES ON THE WORK IN HIS OWN WAY. True succession never destroys individuality. Joshua differed from Moses, Elisha differed from Elijah, the Lord Jesus differed from John. It is often noticed that successors in statesmanship, in offices, and in pulpits, are usually strongly contrasted men. Marked individuality is found to be quite consistent with continuity in aim and service. We best fit to our places, we are found even to fit in best with others, by being our own true selves. If we see clearly the relation of John to Jesus, let us be willing also to see clearly the relation of Jesus to John.—R.T.