ACC ~ Matthew 11 v9

THE TASK OF A PROPHET

ANONYMOUS: “Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.” Now, it is the task of a prophet to foretell Christ. But was it also the task of a prophet to recognize God while he was still implanted in the womb? It is the task of a prophet to receive prophecy in exchange for a worthy way of life and faith. But was it the task of a prophet to be made a prophet before being made a man and before receiving any reward? It is the task of a prophet to receive blessing from God. But is it the task of a prophet to confer the blessing of baptism on God? It is the task of a prophet to speak of Christ before his time. But is it the task of a prophet to stand face to face with Christ and point him out with his finger? It is the task of a prophet to give prophecies about God. But is it the task of a prophet that God should make prophecies about the prophet himself, as when he says, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face?” [1]

“This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face.’” [2] He now begins to tell the reasons why the blessed John was more than a prophet—from such a One John did deserve praise. Now John had borne witness to Christ, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” [3] But he received more from Christ than he gave. For when John glorified Christ, he conferred human praise on him; but Christ conferred divine glory on John. For John spoke of Christ as a Lamb, but when Christ foretold John he spoke of him as an angel. And John did not praise Christ in full measure, for Christ not only took away the sin of the world but also granted eternal life to the world. But Christ exalted John higher than he appeared; John was a man, but Christ called him an angel. INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 27. [4]

[1] Lk 7:27.

[2] Mt 11:10; Mal 3:1.

[3] Jn 1:29.

[4] PG 56:774.

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