Least and Greater, Violence and Force

Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:11-12

We have a tendency to rank people; not always intentionally or consciously, but we do it. Jesus obviously knew this and wanted His followers to know if they put John on a pedestal that the least in the kingdom would still be greater.

People wanted the Kingdom of God to come but they violently killed the prophets God used to share His warnings and vision. Even through Christ’s death, they were trying to take it by force. We can’t earn our way into God’s kingdom and we can’t force our way into it.

Lord help me not exalt others in status or try to get my life to match what I think I have to do to exalt myself in Your kingdom. Help me not try to force things in Your kingdom. I want to follow Your lead in Your way.