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cavell
July 6th, 2007, 06:26 PM
Matthew 11:1-15 NIV

1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. 2 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" 4 Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." 7 As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.


Why are the least in the kingdom of heaven greater than John Baptist?

cavell
July 8th, 2007, 08:30 AM
The comparison of greatness is not absolute but relative to certain aspects of the parties involved. Such a statement could not make a full and accurate measure of even John's life much less of all who lived before him.

Christ wanted the people to comprehenf the religeous reformation with which both he and John were identified. It could not be that Jesus sought to convey the idea that John was greater in moral character, holy living, obedience to, or intimacy with God, or that he had more natural and spiritual gifts and abilities than all those O.T. prophets whose great ministries excelled that of John in many respects.

In view of the inferiority of the law with the gospel, and of mans position and privileges in the new order being so much better and greater than under the law of Moses, there was no similarity. (2Cor.3:6 - 15:Heb 8:6)

It was Johns position and privilege of representing the Messiah who was to bring these charges that made him greater than other prophets.

by....Finis Jennings Dake