Matthew 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went you out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went you out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what went you out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
[The Desire of Ages pp 718] Christ's oft-repeated statement that His kingdom was not of this world offended Judas. He had marked out a line upon which he expected Christ to work. He had planned that John the Baptist should be delivered from prison. Jesus, instead of asserting His royal right and avenging the death of John retired with His disciples into a country place.
Judas wanted more aggressive warfare. He thought that if Jesus would not prevent the disciples from carrying out their schemes, the work would be more successful. The death of John to Judas would be a debilitating blow to his ambitions, for if the forerunner of Christ was permitted to suffer such an untimely demise, what then might be the lot of all those accountants who were following Christ?
Therefore, what God did and what He permitted the devil to do was strategic on several levels, which to the finite mind may not have made sense up front.
Matthew 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!