Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 11:7-11

"And as these went their way, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft [raiment]? Behold, they that wear soft [raiment] are in king`s houses. But wherefore went ye out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist: yet he that is but little in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." — Matthew 11:7-11 (ASV)

And as they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, which shall prepare your way before you. Verily I say to you, Among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Never did our Saviour bear a more emphatic testimony to John than on this occasion; and it is remarkable that it should have followed upon the heels of John's doubt and John's question. How generously the Master repays His servant – not in his own coin, but in the heavenly coin of love. He seems to say, "Through the infirmity of your flesh you have been half-inclined to question me; but through the strength of my grace I turn round and extol you.

There was a time when you could say, He must increase, but I must decrease, and now I turn round and say to those whom you have sent, and to those who saw your messengers, that there is none like you." Not even Moses himself is greater than John the Baptist; though the one who has entered into the light and the glory of the kingdom of grace, since the coming of the Master, is greater than he.