September 13, 2022
Tuesday
Who Is the Greatest?
11 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.”
Starting in 1927, Time magazine began choosing a “Man of the Year.” In 1999 they switched the designation to “Person of the Year.” Not always an individual, the magazine has honored couples, classes, movements, and groups of people—whatever was deemed to have been the greatest influence for the preceding year.
Around A.D. 31, the choice would have been easy: John the Baptist. Jesus said that none born of women had risen greater than John the Baptist, and then He went on to state that those who are born anew into the kingdom of God would surpass even John in greatness. What made Jesus give John the Baptist this commendation? We can speculate that John’s dedication, sacrifice, commitment to calling, humility, and understanding of who Jesus was would have played a role. Many did not fully comprehend who Jesus was, but John did. He prepared the way for the ministry of Jesus, explaining to others that “‘I am not the Christ,’ but ‘I have been sent before Him’” (John 3:28).
He said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). John knew his role and responsibility; he is a model of greatness for all to follow.
A point to ponder…
Great men never think they are great; small men never think they are small.
Anonymous
Read the Bible through in a year
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© 2000-2022 B. Michael Goerlich