Matthew 11:7-9
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.
Jesus knows the crowds have heard the doubt-filled question from this giant of the faith in John the Baptist. He knows the crowds are wondering if they should also be questioning everything they’ve heard from John the Baptist and his belief in Jesus. But Jesus essentially says to them, ‘did you expect to see greatness the way the world defines it? Did you expect to see someone ascend to greatness? John did exactly what he was created to do.’
Jesus is telling us to forget the world’s definition of success and path to greatness. His kingdom is different! As a follower of Jesus, how afraid are you of looking different from the world? How hard are you trying to fit in when Jesus says over and over, ‘for you it will be different’? In your group, share some areas where God may be calling you to stop buying into the world’s view of greatness, success, or beauty.