Respecting this person, thus solemnly foretold, and thus miraculously born, we shall be led to notice two things ;
I. His character —
It is in a comparative view that the text requires us to consider this :
He came " in the spirit and power of Elijah," whom he closely resembled —
[The resemblance may be seen in the endowments of their
mind0 the habits of their lifed the exercise of
their ministry e ]
In this view, John is said to be " great in the sight of the Lord"—
[Such a character will not be admired amongst men : but with God it is in the highest estimation. We grant that, in some respects, it is not so much suited to us, as it was to John, and the particular office he sustained : but, for the most part, it is proper for every person in every age, and most of all for ministers. It is proper that we be " filled with the Holy Ghost ;" and if we be so " even from our mother's womb," happy are we. We ought also to shew a holy supe- riority to the world, to sit loose to its cares and pleasures, and to be regardless of its frowns or favours. We should dare to serve our God, even though the whole nation have departed from him : and bear our testimony against sin, by whomsoever it be committed. We should shew ourselves determinately on the Lord's side, and " shine as lights in a dark world."]
Suited to his august character was,
II. His office —
This was peculiar to himself; he alone of all the sons of men was appointed to be the forerunner of his Lord —
[It was customary for great personages to send messen- gers before them to prepare their way : and such a messenger
c They were both men of eminent piety. Compare 1 Kings xvii. 24. and Jam. v. 17. and 2 Kings ii. 9, 11. with Luke i. 15. John v. 35. Matt. xi. 9, 11.
d They were self-denied and dead to the world. Compare 1 Kings xvii. 3 — 6, 10. and 2 Kings i. 8. with Matt. iii. 4. and Luke i. 80.
e They were bold reprovers and successful reformers. Compare 1 Kings xviii. 17 — 40. and xxi. 19 — 24. and 2 Kings i. 3, 4. with Luke iii. 7—9, 10—14, 10—18, 19. and Matt. xxi. 32.