Consider the first part of his statement. Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist. Jesus was saying that there has never been anyone born in the history of mankind that was greater than John. Surly there have been great men and women in the history of the world. But John was considered by Jesus to be the greatest of them all. John stood as the final and last of the Old Testament prophets, declaring something entirely new and radically new.
Throughout the Old Testament period, God had chosen to reveal himself in very specific way. For example he chose to reveal himself to men and women through the Tabernacle. Later he chose to reveal himself through the Temple. Throughout this Old Testament period God revealed himself by an elaborate set of moral, civil and ceremonial laws and regulations. These laws and regulations were established to teach us about God's character, God's nature and how human beings could approach him and be acceptable to him. These "ceremonial" laws established how God choose to do business with people. Secondly, throughout this O.T. period God was very selective about who might receive his presence. The Spirit of God would only come upon certain people in order to preform specific tasks or to achieve certain ends.
John the Baptist came at the end of this era announcing the beginning of a totally new realm. As the forerunner of Jesus. His message was simple and twofold:
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 3:1-2 The time has come to "change your mind" something totally new was at hand. The Kingdom of Heaven; the domain of the King was about to be revealed. God was about to fulfill all the Old Testament scriptures concerning this new realm. Through the coming of Jesus, God would reveal himself as the means by which we could be made totally acceptable, holy and righteous through this one time and totally sufficient sacrifice of Jesus. And secondly, the presence of God would now be made personally available to every individual who would receive by faith this special gift of Jesus. John put it this was: "I baptize you with water for repentace. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." Matthew 3:11
Because of the sacrifice of Jesus, God would now come to us through the Holy Spirit and live his life in us and manifest His Presence through us. God would now rule and reign in a people of his own choosing and show his presence through these people. The "people called out" had begun. The "Church" was born. There was now a people on the earth in whom God would fully live. It is in this context that Jesus said, "Yet he who is lest in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
- The "least" in this new realm would be considered greater than John and greater than all those ever born of women.
- The "least" in the kingdom would have personal knowledge, experience and access to the Father through the one time sacrifice of Jesus.
- The "least" in the kingdom would have intimate association with God because of being "baptized in and by the Holy Spirit" of God.
- God's presence would now live in us by the Holy Spirit and would be our personal power source.
- God living His life in us would now be our "Hope of Glory." Col. 1:27
Next time you feel down and begin to think of yourself as unimportant, remember that God has done everything so that you might be free from guilt, accusation and the penalty of Sin - through Jesus.
Then remember, that because of Jesus God then sent forth His Holy Spirit to live His Life in you. That has set you apart and has made you (even though you might feel like the lest) greater than John the Baptist and greater than all other people ever born before him. The Kingdom of God is within you! You are now a carrier of His Presence.
AMEN!!
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