After John’s messengers left, He began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft robes? Look, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet. This is the one it is written about: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You; he will prepare Your way before You. I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John, but the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he”. (Luke 7:24-28 — Holman Christian Standard Bible)
John the Baptist had been killed by King Herod, and here Jesus is speaking about what a great man he was. John had been famous for being brutally honest, for preaching the truth whether or not it offended people. He was God’s prophet charged with paving the way for the Lord Jesus. We know of no miracle that he performed; he did not raise anyone from the dead; he did not cast out demons that we know of; he didn’t multiply any bread and fish, or part the waters of a river or sea. What he was known for was convicting people of their need to be baptized in water, to repent from their old lives, and start living new lives that were pleasing to God.
Jesus said that no greater man had ever lived. What makes a man like John great? Miracles and blessings don’t make a person great; what makes us great is our readiness to repent and live for God. I’m sure that John had the faith to perform miracles and heal the sick, but his focus was on healing people’s souls, and preparing them for the message they would hear from the Lord Jesus.
But then Jesus said something amazing. He said even though John was the greatest of men, those who are least in the Kingdom of God are greater than him! John had announced Jesus’ coming, but he was not a part of the kingdom that Jesus ushered in. This kingdom began after His death and resurrection, so even though John prepared the way for this kingdom, his life came to an end years before it was established.
If you live by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and follow Him with all your heart, mind, and strength, if you have given up your old nature and have adopted God’s, you are a citizen of this kingdom — and Jesus says that you are greater than John. This can’t mean we are greater in character or faithfulness. It must mean that the rights and privileges available to us are greater than anything John had. We know what Jesus did not the cross and what that implies for the devil and demons, and we have access to the Holy Spirit like no one who lived before Jesus. Though many great miracles were done in the Old Testament, and lives transformed, we can see even more today if we understand the rights and privileges that we have in the One John came to announce.
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