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greater still

Matthew 11:11&12
"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.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."

Jesus is teaching His audience about His cousin, the GREATEST prophet, John the Baptizer. John's message was NOT swayed by popular feeling. John was the opposite of the religious leaders. Because of this people flocked to him. Jesus elevated John above the MOST distinguished of the prophets. He announced Jesus's coming, introducing Him to the nation of Israel. Through John's work Jesus made public His claim to the Messianic prophecy from the Old Testament. If "META" is showing awareness of reference to oneself or to the activity that is taking place, this was META way before META was cool. (Or even a word.)

In today's verses Jesus makes His clear declaration of who John the Baptizer is; "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." This is superlative upon superlative! John is the GREATEST but the people that will proclaim the Gospel will be GREATER STILL!!! "The kingdom of heaven" here is the Disciples and others that will spread the word that Jesus rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

The next curious verse is one describing the viral and out of control popularity that they were experiencing; "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." The symbolism here is of a city state is surrounded and then besieged. It is a dramatic picture of how the crowds pressed around John and Jesus as they preached! 

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