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NASB | Matthew 11:11 "Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 11:11 "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater [in privilege] than he. |
Bible Question:
Do you think that Jesus could have been referring to Himself by "the least in the kingdom of God" in Luke 7:28/Matt 11:11? Personally do I believe He was, although I read many other interpretations which are not even similar to mine... Cv. Phil 2:6-11... God bless you, Zsuzsi |
Bible Answer: I would have to answer that Jesus would not be the “least” or “lesser” one in the kingdom of the heavens but the “greatest” one resurrected, becoming the King of his heavenly kingdom. In these two accounts you mention, Jesus shows us something that many completely miss, that John the Baptizer will not be in the heavenly Kingdom, since a lesser one there is greater than John. John prepared the way for Jesus, but his (John's) death occurs before Christ sealed the covenant, or agreement, with his disciples to be corulers with him in his Kingdom. That is why Jesus says that John will not be in the heavenly Kingdom. John will instead be fully rewarded as faithful but be an earthly subject of that Kingdom as well will David and all the other faithful servants of God that died before Pentecost. This was a special period of opportunity that had arrived with Jesus’ coming to earth and giving his life a ransom on behalf of mankind. For all, the Prophets and the Law, prophesied until John.” (Mt 11:10-13) Some going to heaven may have been prominent in the congregation, like the apostles, and others less so, but they are all Jesus’ spiritual brothers. (Luke 16:10; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8; Hebrews 8:11) So, even if some seemed insignificant on earth, they were his brothers and should have been treated accordingly. You see, God’s Word leaves us with no doubt that one of God’s outstanding qualities is justice. Also, righteousness is the very foundation of his throne. (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 89:14) His being just and righteous, however, does not obligate him to bestow identical favors upon all of his intelligent creatures. For example, he created some beings as spirit creatures, angels, who are far superior to humans. Nor does he reward all of his faithful earthly creatures in the same way. Thus Jesus said those words regarding John the Baptizer that “the least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.” |