Christians call him John the Baptist because he baptized Jesus and a bunch of others as Jesus began his ministry. Jesus called him the greatest of all time.
“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist …” (Matthew 11:11).
John had been preaching that the kingdom of God was near. John had been pronouncing the need for people to repent. John had been proclaiming the wonders of Jesus and salvation.
Jesus commented that this made John the greatest, except for one other person who is even greater. You! He continues, “… yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11).
When you feel let down or lonely … When it’s hard to live with regret, guilt or shame … When you feel so small and insignificant compared to all the super Christians in your family or at church … When you can’t get everything done … When you’ve let somebody down and feel worthless … Then according to Jesus you are great. Even greater than the greatest of all time.
How so?
Well, like you, John had the Word of God to hear and the Son of God to see. Unlike you, however, John saw only the first part of Jesus’ life and ministry. He didn’t live long enough to see Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Because of the Bible, you have seen the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus says that makes you greater than John, not because of you we are, or how strong or wise of funny or good looking, but because of what you are able to hear and see. Jesus’ saving work for you!
You are great in God’s kingdom when you look at and listen to Jesus.
PRAYER: Jesus, help me believe that it’s okay for me to be small, humble and last. Because then you and your saving work make me great in your kingdom. May that value and position be all to your glory! Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Learn more about John the Baptist, and a powerful lesson about trauma, loss, and trusting in Jesus. I preached about it on Sunday and invite you to watch.
