I am a Jesus pusher!!! John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins. They not only had physical relationship through family, but also linkage in ministry. There is a strong comparison between the methods of both. Matthew refers to John the Baptist as one who had been put in prison (Matthew 4:12). This phrase is a translation of one Greek word, “paradidomi.” “Para” is the prefix meaning “over to.” The root word “didomi” means “to give.” This Greek word (paradidomi) is introduced by Matthew because John the Baptist is a forerunner of Jesus. Matthew will use this same word fifteen times as a semi-technical term for the announcement of the cross of Jesus. John the Baptist did not forerun the miracles, preaching style, or organizational structure of Jesus. He foreran the cross style of Jesus.
As they made their way down from the Mount of Transfiguration, the disciples asked Jesus concerning the forerunner. He promptly told them this forerunner had already come and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. John the Baptist did not resist, fight back, or rebel. It was the style of the cross. Jesus went on to say, “Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands,” (Matthew 17:12). It appears a pattern is established. Jesus calls His disciples to this same life style of the cross (Matthew 20:25-28). I want His heart to be mine so His style can be expressed through me. I want to know His mind so His thoughts can be visible in my life. I want His Spirit to indwell me so I am an expression of His attitude. I want my life to be a consistent Jesus pusher!!!