Carlton Elkins
Text: Matthew 11:11
“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ” Introduction:
All Jews with any sincerity were consumed in hopes of the kingdom of God, also called the Kingdom of Heaven or simply, kingdom. I want to look at three aspects of the Kingdom.
When Jesus was on earth, the kingdom was present in the person of Jesus, Himself (Matthew 12:28).
The Kingdom is in a stage of development at this time, the full development being when Jesus comes and judges the world. (See the kingdom parables of Matthew 13).
The universal, all consuming Kingdom, which shall break in pieces and consume all kingdoms. (Daniel 2:44). In all cases Jesus is the authority, and the Kingdom resides in Him.
The only thing in the minds of Jews was the Messianic Kingdom, and even that was often viewed as a mere material kingdom with Jews in control. That is not what Jesus offered. Of men born of women, none is greater than John the Baptist. I think that greatness here refers to moral and spiritual greatness, and John's was great. John had no money, power or glory, and no army, but he was great in the things that count with God. Jesus was calling attention to the kingdom promised to Abraham nearly 2,000 years before this time. Jesus was saying the kingdom is upon you, and it is much more than you think it is.
The Lord's churches are commissioned to care for the kingdom work as it exists today. However I have never met anyone that I would consider to challenge John the Baptist for moral and spiritual greatness. I have known some wonderful men, but I don't put them ahead of John. In the kingdom, in the resurrection, everyone in that kingdom will have gained moral perfection, even if not the glory of Jesus. Jesus was saying, the kingdom is here; it is greater than you think. Don't take chances; be sure you are in. It is too good to miss. He is not talking about the church or religious developments. But He is certainly talking to church people.
That leaves us with the universal, glory kingdom after Jesus returns. Here, things will be very different. For example, the apostles will sit on 12 thrones in Israel, judging that nation. Other faithful disciples will be granted authority over cities and territories throughout the world. If greatness is applied here, since it is in the resurrection, their moral and spiritual greatness will be perfect as will be understanding of problems and government.
Even the least, not the rulers, in the kingdom will be greater than John was in his time, but I do not know what John will be in the glory of the resurrection. In my mind, he will be rated very highly. The context of this discussion is the Messianic Kingdom. Whatever it takes, be sure you have a place in that kingdom, and whatever the cost, be the best you can be, for now and forever. A place in His Kingdom is the best investment that we can ever make.
Add comment
Comments