The Israelites had been going through exceedingly difficult times. God assured them that they had nothing to fear for God would be with them. The Lord God would be their Redeemer.

In spite of all that the people of Israel had done, God would keep the covenant with them, and their needs would be provided. Then everyone would see what the Lord had done, and they would know in their hearts that the God of Israel had created all.

Are we grateful for the blessings that God gives to us?

Many of the people were asking Jesus about John the Baptist. They may have listened to John or even been baptized by him. They may have been confused about whom to follow.

Jesus praised John as the greatest man ever born, but he also said that others would be greater than him because they would witness a new era that would be brought in by Jesus.

John was referred to as Elijah because it was believed that Elijah would return to usher in the kingdom of God. We are all called to be like John by telling others about the way of Christ.