The cross changed everything when Jesus died for our sins and rose again. Think how faith in Jesus has changed your life now and in eternity. When Adam and Eve fell into sin, it did not catch the Lord by surprise. Paul says that God had a plan to redeem humanity, an extension of His grace. Ephesians 1:4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.[1]
In the fullness of time, the Lord sent Jesus into the world to pay the price for our sins, which we could not pay for. Forty days after Jesus’ resurrection, He ascended into heaven, and ten days later, the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon people for a time to fulfill God’s plan. After Pentecost, the Spirit would reside in a person throughout their life when they believed.
The Least in the Kingdom of God is Greater than John the Baptist
Jesus gives us interesting insights about John the Baptist. Luke 7:28 I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!” [2] If John is greater than anyone who ever lived, why would the least in the Kingdom of God be greater than John?
To be the least in the Kingdom of God and being greater than John is not something to boast about but to praise God for. As believers in this era, we have the New Testament and all that Jesus did, which the prophets of old did not have. Luke 10:24 I (Jesus) tell you, many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it.” [3]
We have received a greater blessing than John because we are part of the New Covenant. God chose us to be born after His death and resurrection. The least in the Kingdom of God does not have to wonder if Jesus is the Messiah. Philippians 2:8 Jesus humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. [4] Jesus was not comparing John to Christians but comparing spiritual life before and after His death on the cross.
What Will You Do With the Gift God Has Given You?
We have been given a special privilege as believers in the New Testament Era. Ephesians 4:1Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.[5] The Lord has chosen you to be His representative on this earth. We can be the salt and light, making a difference in those around us as the Holy Spirit empowers us. People are watching how we live our lives, and we can be Jesus with skin on as children of God.
To learn how the cross changed everything, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/johns-question-for-jesus
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
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