Being "Least" ain't so bad after all.

John the Baptist on very good authority was the greatest of all the prophets. But even he needed to be corrected when he had it coming. Evidently, John did not expect to be in prison for long after being arrested by one of the Herods. So while languishing in prison,he sent an inquiry through his disciples wondering whether Jesus really was the Messiah. I love Jesus' response. He was not defensive at all. He did not engage the disciples of John in a discussion on Old Testament messianic prophecy but merely asked them to "hear and see"(Matt. 11:4) and then report back to John. No compelling arguments, no carefully crafted defense of his ministry-just the facts from which they could draw their own conclusions: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the gospel is preached. Jesus rested his case. But then Jesus goes on to place John in proper perspective for everyone including you and me. Jesus makes what appears at first glance to be an astounding declaration.

After citing John's courage and unbending dedication to his mission, Jesus goes on to say that "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. First of all, I would have thought that Moses and Elijah for openers had a more powerful ministry than John especially since the latter did no miracles that we can read about in the New Testament. Jesus, of course, knew better. John was chosen to introduce Jesus to their generation and prepare the people to receive ultimate or real salvation as compared to Moses' "types and "shadows."(see Hebrews 10;1-8)if they would receive it and we know that many didn't. But then, how could I, being a likely candidate for the "honor" of being least in the Kingdom, be greater than John and by inference all the old testament dignitaries including Moses and Elijah? Now what did Jesus mean by that? Please answer before I become a victim of acute megalomania. The NIV Study Bible comes to my rescue(note for Matt. 11:11) and I quote: "John belonged to the age of the old covenant(even if he had a transitional role,my own),which was preparatory to Christ. The least NT saint has a higher priviledge in Christ as a part of the Bride of Christ than John who was a friend of the bridegtoom(Eph. 5:22f and John 3:29). I prefer this explanation to a second one that is also offered(see NIV Study Bible).

Again, as the least in the Kingdom of Christ, I can know God as "Abba," whereas, the O.T saint trembled at the forbidden mention of God's name. My sins are not merely covered, but they are irradicated-gone, goodby!(see Hebrews 10:1-18). Then there is the glory of the Resurrection, the majesty of the New Testament scriptures, and the Blessed Hope of the Second Coming. Being "Least ain't so bad after all.