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JESUS THE LEAST
FRIDAY, MAY 23
Matthew 11:2-19

Luke 7:18-35

 

“…he that is least
in the kingdom of heaven

is greater than he.”

 

JESUS THE LEAST
 
Jesus appreciated very much John’s ministry as His forerunner. John fulfilled the prophecy concerning the Lord’s heralder in Malachi 3:1. He performed his duty most faithfully. He was a most humble servant. His motto — “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30) — should be adopted by every Christian.
 
Those who humble themselves, God will lift up. Jesus promoted John by calling him the greatest of the prophets (Matt 11:11). As such John fulfilled the prophecy that he “shall be great,” and “shalt be called the prophet of the Highest” (Luke 1:15, 76).
 
What did Jesus mean when He said, “he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he?” Who is the “he that is least”? The one who is called “The Least” is none other than Jesus Himself. Although John was greater than all the other Old Testament prophets, yet there is One who is greater than him. The Lord Jesus Christ is infinitely greater than John. John’s greatness was measured by his humility. But who could be more humble than Jesus? “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil 2:6-8). It was because of His humility and humiliation that God exalted Jesus over all: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:9-11).
 
Jesus’ title as “The Least” speaks of His life sufferings. Jesus was made “the least in the kingdom” in His humiliation on the cross, having been utterly shamed and despised by the people He came to save. His humiliation led to His exaltation (Heb 2:9-10).
 
THOUGHT: Self-demotion precedes divine promotion.

PRAYER: Father, give me a servant’s heart.

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