The Lesser Is Greater

Trivia time: Who was the greatest prophet? Do you picture Elijah, calling down fire from heaven and riding on a whirlwind? Or, Elisha, a bald guy calling out bears to rip apart his sinful foes? Maybe Daniel since his prophecies are referenced in Revelation? We have so many cool stories from the prophets, but Jesus gives the nod to John the Immerser.

“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11.11

So little is written about the greatest prophet. And it would seem his purpose was to show up and point to Jesus. I submit to you that yes, that is exactly what he did. And, that is exactly what we are called to do as well. John arrives on the scene as proof that the Messiah is near. John gets to announce to the entire world (well, the Israelites mostly) that the Savior of humanity has arrived. WOW! What a task! Then, that Savior points back and says, “among those born of women there has arisen no one greater”. Can you receive higher praise than that? But:

“Yet the one who is least”. Having your name in the marquis lights, published at the bottom of a book, or celebrated as the speaker of the hour is cool. But, Jesus, in the same breath of exaltation for John, points to all the members of His family and lifts the lowest. Why? Because to Jesus, we all matter.

Jesus has humbled Himself from Heaven to Earth, Galilee to the grave for the least of all. And He wants everyone to know it. The Savior of humanity died for the salvation of “the least of these”. Praise God, He loves me!

So what? I have no excuse. God has given all of us talent and ability to do something. I have no reason, no excuse and no defense if I am not doing something to point to Him. The fewer talents I see in my life the greater God thinks of me. And if one who is lesser can point to Jesus, why can’t I? May God be glorified in your life.

Having problems shining God’s light in your life? Let someone know. We must pray for each other. Be lifted up!