Least is Greater

Gospel

Matthew 11:11-15

11 Jesus said to the crowds: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. 13 All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. 15 Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

Historical Background

John the Baptist was a prophetic figure preparing the way for Jesus, calling Israel to repentance. In Jewish tradition, prophets were revered, but John’s role was unique: he stood at the threshold between the Old Covenant and the New.

The phrase “among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John” highlights his pivotal role, yet Jesus adds that “the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he,” pointing to the surpassing grace of the new covenant.

Verse 12 (“the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force”) reflects the urgency and intensity with which people were responding to the kingdom—some with zeal, others with opposition.

Theological Context

John represents the culmination of the Law and the Prophets, but Jesus inaugurates something greater: the kingdom of heaven. The “least in the kingdom” being greater than John emphasizes that participation in Christ’s kingdom surpasses even the greatest human achievements under the old covenant.

The “violence” toward the kingdom can be understood spiritually: entering requires decisive commitment, a breaking away from sin, and a passionate pursuit of God. Jesus ends with “He who has ears, let him hear,” underscoring that this is a spiritual truth requiring discernment and openness.

Learning Lessons

Greatness in God’s eyes is not about status but about belonging to His kingdom. The kingdom is not passive; it calls for wholehearted pursuit. Spiritual truths require humility and attentiveness. John’s ministry prepared the way, but Jesus brings fulfillment—our hope rests in Him.

Jesus praised John as the greatest among those born of women, meaning that he had a unique and important role in God’s plan of salvation. John’s humility and faithfulness are admirable qualities that we can learn from. John was humble because he recognized his role and mission as the forerunner of Christ, and he did not seek his own glory or popularity. He was faithful because he obeyed God’s call and preached the message of repentance and the coming of the kingdom of God, even when he faced opposition and persecution. However, Jesus also said that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John, meaning that those who enter God’s kingdom by faith in Jesus have a higher status and privilege than John, who belonged to the old covenant.

Reflection for the Day

Today, we are reminded that true greatness is not measured by human standards but by being part of Christ’s kingdom. Are we pursuing God with zeal, or are we passive? Are we listening with open ears, or distracted by other voices? The passage calls me to urgency, humility, and joy in belonging to Jesus.

A voice once cried in desert air,  

Prepare the way, the Lord is near.  

The greatest born of woman’s line,  

Yet kingdom grace is more divine.  

The gates are pressed, the seekers strive,  

By holy fire their hearts alive.  

O Lord, give ears to hear today,  

Your kingdom calls, I walk Your way.

Lord Jesus, 

You are the fulfillment of every promise, the light greater than the prophets. Thank You for John’s witness, and for the gift of Your kingdom that welcomes even the least. Give me zeal to pursue You with all my heart, ears to hear Your voice, and humility to walk in Your ways. May I live today with urgency and joy, knowing that true greatness is found in You alone. 

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: Opposition from Israel

JESUS' TESTIMONY TO JOHN

Matthew 11:7-19

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Published:

December 14, 2023, 6:15 AM

Born for a Purpose

"He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah 

to turn the hearts of fathers toward children 

and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, 

to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 

LUKE 1:17

Everyone is born for a purpose, and that purpose is ultimately related to God, who created us and loves us. God has a plan and a purpose for each person, and that He works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Each of us has a unique role and contribution to make in this world, and that we can discover and fulfill our purpose by following our passions, talents, and values. You can find inspiration and guidance from other people who have lived purposeful lives, such as biblical characters, historical figures, or role models.

Angel Gabriel’s announced to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, about the role and mission of his son. John the Baptist was the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, the Messiah, by preaching repentance and baptism. John the Baptist has a similar ministry and character as Elijah, the Old Testament prophet who performed miracles and confronted the idolatry of his time. "To prepare a people fit for the Lord”, John the Baptist would help people to recognize their sinfulness and their need for God’s forgiveness and grace, which would be fulfilled in Jesus.

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” (Luke 1:5-25)

To be consecrated to God means to be set apart for His service, to be devoted to His purpose, and to be sanctified by His grace. It is a way of living that honors and glorifies God in everything we do. A life dedicated to obeying God’s will and fulfilling His plan. As the Lord said, "You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. You shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you" (Leviticus 20:7-8). Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2:).

There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had borne no children. An angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son. Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean. As for the son you will conceive and bear, no razor shall touch his head, for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb. It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines.” The woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me; he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed. I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name. But he said to me, ‘You will be with child and will bear a son. So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb, until the day of his death.’” The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the Lord blessed him; the Spirit of the Lord first stirred. (Judges 13:2-7, 24-25)

God formed each person in His image and likeness, and that He has a purpose and a plan for every life (Genesis 1:26-27) (Jeremiah 29:11). God formed you with love and care, and He knows everything about you, even the number of hairs on your head (Psalm 139:13-16) (Matthew 10:30).

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety; for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. For you are my hope, O Lord; my trust, O God, from my youth. On you I depend from birth; from my mother’s womb you are my strength. I will treat of the mighty works of the Lord; O God, I will tell of your singular justice. O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. (Psalm 71:3-4, 5-6, 16-17)

God Formed Me. He gave me His breath of life, made me a living soul, and filled me with His light. God formed me with His hands, He shaped me with His skill, molded me with His wisdom, and fashioned me with His will. God formed me with His love, He cherished me with His heart, blessed me with His grace, He set me apart. God formed me with His care, He watched me with His eyes, guided me with His voice, and protected me with His might.

Lord, You have  a plan for my life. I believe that I was born for a purpose, not by chance or fate, but by Your own design and grace. You have a role for me to play. I was born not to wander or waste but to grow and serve. You have a promise for me to claim. I was born not to fear or doubt but to trust and obey. You have a glory for me to reflect. I was born not to live for myself

But to live for You.

I am consecrated to You O God. You have set me apart for Your glory, called me by Your grace and has chosen me for Your story. You have cleansed me by Your blood, renewed me by Your Spirit, and transformed me by Your Word. Thank You so much for empowering me with Your strength and entrusting me with Your mission.

Help me to always be fit for You O Lord not just in body, but in soul and spirit, to love You with all my heart and follow Your perfect will. To know You with all my understanding and worship You in truth, not just in words, but in deeds. To serve You with all my strength and glorify You in all I do. May I always live with You in Your presence and enjoy You forevermore. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN

Luke 1:5-25

II: Stories of the Judges

THE BIRTH OF SAMSON

Judges 13:1-25

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

PRAYER IN TIME OF OLD AGE

Psalm 71:1-24

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Be Yourself

When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites 

to him to ask him, “Who are you?” 

he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, 

“I am not the Christ.” 

JOHN 1:19-20

John the Baptist and Jesus Christ had a special relationship. They were related by blood, as John’s mother Elizabeth and Jesus’ mother Mary were cousins. They were also related by purpose, as John was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry. John recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John also humbly acknowledged that Jesus was greater than him, and that he must decrease while Jesus must increase. John was faithful to his mission until the end, even when he faced persecution and imprisonment. Jesus praised him as the greatest among those born of women. John the Baptist is an example of a courageous and devoted servant of God, who fulfilled his role as a witness and a forerunner of Jesus Christ. 

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:6-8, 19-28)

As followers of Christ, we have a personal relationship with Him, based on faith, love, and obedience. It means to believe in His death and resurrection as the only way to be saved from sin and to receive eternal life. It means to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as ourselves. It means to obey His commands and teachings, and to follow His example of humility, service, and sacrifice. It means to live in the hope and joy of His presence, and to look forward to His return.

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God. I rejoice heartily in the Lord, in my God is the joy of my soul; for he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord God make justice and praise spring up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11)

My soul rejoices in my God. To rejoice in God means to feel joy or delight in the Lord, and to celebrate his presence and his works in our lives. It is a command and a choice that we can make, regardless of our circumstances, because God is always good and faithful. Rejoicing in God is also a fruit of the Spirit, a result of being filled with his love and power. Rejoicing in God can help us overcome anxiety, fear, and doubt, and experience his peace and joy.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior, 48 for he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy. (Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54)

Let us always maintain a constant communication with God, and to be aware of His presence and His will in every situation. This is by way of having a prayerful attitude and a readiness to talk to God at any time. Praying without ceasing is a way of expressing our dependence on God, our gratitude for His blessings, and our desire for His guidance. Praying without ceasing is also a way of resisting temptation, overcoming worry, and growing in faith.

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good. Refrain from every kind of evil. May the God of peace make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and He will also accomplish it. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. You are the way, the truth and the life. You are the light that shines in the darkness. It is You who made me to be who I am and what I am today. You are a brother and a friend. In You, I became a child of God. I rejoice in You O Lord my God and Savior. Thank You so much for being everything to me. Amen.

Pericope:

I: Prologue

PROLOGUE

John 1:1-18

III: Return of the First Captives

THE MISSION OF THE AFFLICTED

Isaiah 61:1-11

II: The Infancy Narrative

THE CANTICLE OF MARY

Luke 1:46-56

III: Specific Exhortations

CHURCH ORDER

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

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Recognize Jesus

“Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him 

but did to him whatever they pleased. 

So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” 

MATTHEW 17:12

From the very beginning, one reason some very important people did not recognize the Christ Child is that they weren’t expecting a child, and they certainly weren’t expecting a child from the working class. They were looking for someone already honored and influential. 

Today, the Lord calls upon us to let go of our preconceived notions and be open to the mystery of God. Let us open our life to the path that God shows us and say yes to His will. Let is recognize Jesus in His acts of mercy and compassion, and show the same love to others.

As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:9, 10-13)

The prophet Elijah is a man of God and a man of faith who trusted in the Lord. He prophesied of future things and wielded heaven's sword. People waited for his return, who will prepare the way for Christ, who will make his people learn, who will restore all things to God, who will end the age of strife, who will herald the day of the Lord, and who will share in his glory and life. Let us look forward to the day of the Lord, when Jesus will come again in glory and power (Malachi 4:5-6).

In those days, like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; by the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses. You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship. (Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11)

Jesus makes you strong by giving you His grace, His love, and His Spirit. He is your source of strength and your refuge in times of trouble. He promises to be with you always and to help you overcome any challenges you may face. 

O shepherd of Israel, hearken from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power. 15 Once again, O Lord of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted, the son of man whom you yourself made strong. May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. (Psalm 80:2, 3, 15-16, 18-19)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). God loves us deeply. He is full of mercy. So He gave us new life because of what Christ has done. He gave us life even when we were dead in sin. (Eph 2:4-5)

Jesus, You hold everything together by your power. You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. I recognize You as my Lord and Savior. I confess my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe in You and receive Your grace. I follow You and obey Your commands. You are my everything and my all, my joy and my peace, my love and my Lord! Amen.

Pericope:

V: Jesus, the Kingdom, and the Church

THE COMING OF ELIJAH

Matthew 17:9-13

II.  Eulogy of the heroes of Israel and some of the Patriarchs

ELIJAH AND ELISHA

Sirach 48:1-16

Third Book of Psalms 73-89

PRAYER TO RESTORE GOD'S VINEYARD

Psalm 80:1-20

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