PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 7:24-28
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than (John).” (Luke 7:28)
John was the greatest Old Testament messenger before Jesus.
Even greater than Abraham, Moses, Elijah, or David!?
But what does Jesus mean about the least in the kingdom?
How can you or I be greater than these heroes of the faith?
The key is how we understand the kingdom of God.
The kingdom of God is this world under God-like human rulers.
Jesus is Adam restored, ruling over creation (Genesis 1:26-28).
With Jesus we are restored as God’s image-bearers.
To rule WITH, LIKE and FOR God as his representatives!
We are not greater in value than anyone else.
But in terms of purpose, our calling exceeds the OT heroes of faith.
In the power of the Spirit, we build the kingdom like Jesus did.
With love, mercy, self-denial, compassion – the Jesus Way, the Adam way!
What a privilege AND responsibility to know and follow Jesus!
PRAYER
Lord, help me to trust the greatness of your Way – love, mercy and grace – and to reflect this greatness in how I live with, like and for you!
John is the greatest in the old Covenant – in the kingdom of men – Jesus attributes that to him – but now the Kingdom is near: ” I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” And even the least important person in the kingdom is greater than the greatest in the Kingdom of man. Jesus has come and ushers in the New Covenant in his blood – we are part of this Kingdom if we believe! Like a servant who was forgiven everything – I am grateful – help me to forgive and be gracious in my living to care for those around me!
God continues to provide those who proclaim the good news then and now. In days past there were men and women selected, chosen by God to be His instruments of peace proclaiming His word to the people so that they would live for Him. God still provides leaders filled with His Spirit to proclaim the Good News to the people today. His kingdom is still being built today as we pray Thy Kingdom come, which one day will be restored in full. We are all kids of the Kingdom if we but obey His Word and do His will.
We are one in the spirit we are one in the Lord
We are one in the spirit we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love , by our love
Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love
We will walk with each other
We will walk hand in hand (2)
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land
We will work with each other we will work side by side(2)
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride
All praise to the father from whom all things come
And all praise to Christ Jesus his only son
And all praise to the spirit
Who makes all things one.