Saying goodbye

There has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. — Matthew 11:11

If you’ve ever been asked to say a few words at a memorial service, you know how difficult, yet important, it can be. Cyrus M. Copeland, compiler of two books of tributes to famous people, said: “A great eulogy is both art and architecture — a bridge between the living and the dead, memory and eternity.”

The Bible contains little that corresponds to our modern eulogy. Yet Jesus paid a great tribute to John the Baptist when he faced the looming threat of execution by Herod. From prison, John sent his disciples to confirm the identity of Jesus the Messiah (Matt. 1:2-6). Jesus talked with them, then told the listening crowd, “Among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (v. 11).

Jesus’ tribute captured the essence of the desert-dwelling, straight-preaching John, who was maligned and misunderstood as he prepared the way for the Son of God. John’s greatness was more than personal; it was wrapped up in the kingdom of God. He wrote his own eulogy by his actions.

As we ponder what we might say about others at their passing, it’s also good to ask, “What will people say about me when it’s time to say goodbye?” — David McCasland

The way we live our lives each day

Makes up our eulogy;

So ask yourself, “When I pass on,

What will be said of me?” — Sper

READ: Matthew 11:7-19

Living for the Lord today leaves a lasting legacy when we’re gone.

The Bible in one year:

• Exodus 10-12

• Proverbs 10:22-32