Matthew 11:11 Truly I say to you, Among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist… I. THE MEANING OF THE TEXT. The first clause is simple enough; it states that John Baptist was greater than all who preceded him. The second clause is the difficulty least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." What is intended by "the kingdom of heaven" — the kingdom of glory, or of grace, or both? It is of course true that the least in heaven is greater and more privileged than John. It is better to he with Christ than on earth. But the kingdom of glory is not meant here. The term is almost universally used with reference to the kingdom of God on earth. "The kingdom of heaven, or the kingdom of God, cometh not with observation." This refers to earth: the heavenly kingdom will come with splendour. The gospel dispensation is intended. Who are the least:' Not the apostles, but the saint. II. THE REASON. In what sense John was greater than all who preceded him. 1. One might take the personal character of John, and his superiority will be seem His zeal was great, he was the messenger before our Lord. This establishes the great superiority of John. No prophet actually prepared the way of the Saviour. Real greatness is approximation to God. The man who knows God best is greatest. Who was ever brought into such near connection with God as John? He was the friend of the Bridegroom. The dispensation of John was peculiar; he stood between the law and the gospel. How is it that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John? Observe the expression "least in the kingdom of heaven." John was not in the kingdom of heaven. It all turns upon this. Our Lord draws the contrast. John was the greatest of all who went before him; but the least in the kingdom of heaven was greater than he — hot in heaven, but on earth.The kingdom of heaven, in the sense here intended, commenced with the day of Pentecost; it is essentially connected both with the in-dwelling and out-pouring of the Holy Ghost. John said. "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." 1. The least in the kingdom of heaven is participator of all that the God of heaven can bestow. Nothing more can be given him. 2. The least in the kingdom of heaven is a member of the bride's. 3. The least in the kingdom of heaven is a temple of the Holy Ghost. 4. The least in the kingdom of heaven has the spirit of adoption — the spirit of a son. 5. The least in the kingdom of heaven is brought into relationship with each of the Persons in the Trinity, in a sense which John was not. 6. The least in the kingdom of heaven may therefore become the greatest. Let us realize the greatness of the gospel dispensation. (Capet Molyneux, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. |
    |