The least in the kingdom

The least in the kingdom

Scripture:

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Matthew 11:11-15

Observation:

Continuing to speak of John the Baptist, the Lord explains how up till now, there has not been a greater prophet than him. John the Baptist was the last prophet of the Old Testament, the final link to herald in the commencement of the new covenant in Jesus Christ. Yet, Jesus said, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John on earth. This reminds us to always have a kingdom perspective and to remember that things on earth are only temporal and it is our future in Heaven that truly matters.

The Lord then exclaims how since the days of John the Baptist, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and that violent people have been raiding it. This has long been a verse that is hard to understand and has been subject to various interpretations. The first part regarding how the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence can be seen in the imprisonment of John the Baptist who would later be beheaded.

The second part speaks of violent people raiding the kingdom of Heaven. How do people enter the kingdom of God? They have to be meek, humble, repentant, like little children. How can they be violent? However, the word used for “violent” here actually means “forceful”, and the early Christians who were Jews actually had to enter the kingdom of God forcefully, in the sense, that they had to cling on to their faith in the face of severe persecution from the Pharisees, the teachers of the law and even their own families. Without that firm conviction to their faith, they would fall away easily.

At this point, the Lord referred to how the Law and the Prophets prophesied of the coming Messiah, and declared that John the Baptist was indeed the fulfillment of the prophesied Elijah that was to come. In other words, Jesus was confirming that what John preached was true and that Jesus is the Messiah

Application:

Remember that the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than the greatest man on earth. Ultimately, it is the kingdom that matters most,over anything on earth. Remember too that those who follow Christ can be subjected to violence, and it also takes great forcefulness and determination to cling on to our faith, in the face of persecution. This after all, will become increasingly relevant in the approaching end times. Praise the Lord that He is our Savior, our Messiah, and that we are saved in His name.

Prayer:

Praise thee, Father in Heaven, for You hold all time in Your hands. Everything that happens does so according to Your will. You placed John the Baptist where he was according to Your perfect timing, and sent our Lord Jesus, at just the right time in history. Help us remember O Lord to seek first always Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Help us to stand firm and strong, even in the face of persecution or violence. Preserve our soul, O Lord, keep us faithful and strong. Let us be found worthy for the day of Your coming. In Jesus name, Amen.