“I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:28
Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. And yet, these words from the Gospel of Luke are spoken by Jesus about John the Baptist, “There is no one greater than John” (7:28). Those are high words of honor to receive from anyone, but these words came from Jesus! That is high praise!
Before Jesus spoke these words about John, He responded to John’s disciples, who came on behalf of John wanting to know if Jesus was actually the Messiah. He told them, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleaned, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor” (Luke 7:22). Jesus, who healed the blind, the lame, the lepers, the deaf and the dead, called John the greatest person ever born of women! John’s resume was impressive, but not compared to Jesus! Yet Jesus chose to show honor to John, even when He could have demanded honor for himself.
Just like we chose our kindness measuring cup yesterday, we can choose our own measuring cup for honor. Even when we don’t have to, we should show honor, especially to those who have toiled forging a path for us. That is what John the Baptist did for Jesus, he prepared the way for the arrival of Jesus the Messiah. And now, Jesus, recognizing his work, honors all that John has done. We should follow the example of our Messiah and scoop out honor with as big a measuring cup as possible, as we will be shown honor in return.