No one is greater than John the Baptist. Except everyone in the Kingdom of God.
John was a prophet. He wasn’t weak or easily swayed; he wasn’t rich or dressed in expensive clothes. He was like the Old Testament prophets who stood up to kings and told them the truth about their sin.
Samuel made King David face his adultery and murder and gave him the bad news that his baby was going to die for David’s sin.
Elijah faced a murderous King Ahab and 450 priests of Baal. In front of all the people, He dared openly asked God for a miracle and trusted Him to rain fire from heaven.
Obadiah hid 100 prophets of the Lord in caves because Queen Jezebel wanted to kill them. They lived in the desert and depended on him to bring them food and water.
John lived in the desert too, while God was preparing him to bring the message about Jesus. He was God’s messenger sent to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry. The difference between him and the other prophets is that he was the door opener. All the other prophets were pointing to the door, but he was sent to open it so we could enter.
That’s why those of us in the Kingdom are greater than John; it’s because we’re inside.
So what does it mean to be greater than John the Baptist? Because I’m in the Kingdom, I should do more than he did.
He prepared the way for Jesus. I should follow Him.
He preached a message of repentance. I should repent.
He told people Jesus was coming. I should tell people Jesus has come and spread the good news about what He has done.
I should live with more passion and commitment than John the Baptist did. I should live as if I’ve not only heard the voice of God, but experienced the miracles of God’s love and presence.
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