Who is least in the kingdom of heaven

[biggandyy]

Who is Jesus talking about in Matthew 11:11?

Me.

 

[Buzzfruit]

Who is least in the kingdom of heaven?

Who is Jesus talking about in Matthew 11:11?

Matthew 11:11
11 "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is “””least””” in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
NKJV

Since every word is scripture is there by the will of the Holy Spirit and not there just to fill up the pages I believe God told us who Jesus is talking about.

1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9 For I am the “””least””” of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
NKJV

Ephesians 3:8-9
8 To me, who am less than the “””least””” of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;
NKJV

I also want to show, again, that Eph. 3:9 says the gospel Paul preached was “””hidden in God.””” --- If, as some say, Paul’s gospel was already in effect, and not hidden, then the Holy Spirit put the wrong words in the scriptures. However, if these words are, in fact, the truth, and I believe they are, those that deny their meaning are IMHO teaching a false gospel.

No doubt Paul considered himself the least but that is not whom Jesus was refering to though. The least in the kingdom that Jesus was talking about are those who are new in the faith and are like little children.

Mark 10:15 (KJV)
[sup]15 [/sup]Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

Matthew 10:42 (KJV)
[sup]42 [/sup]And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Little
Greek Word: μικρός
Transliteration: mikros
Phonetic Pronunciation: mik-ros'
Root: apparently a primary word
Cross Reference: TDNT - 4:648,593
Part of Speech: adj
Vine's Words: Least, Less, Little, Small



including the comparative mikroteros, mik-rot'-er-os; apparently a primary word; small (in size, quantity, number or (figurative) dignity) :- least, less, little, small.

— Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary

 

[prism]

Let's try this again.

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
(1Co 15:9-10)

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
(Eph 3:8-9)

Less than the Least of all the saints and least of the apostles.
Where else in Scripture is someone nominated 'least' of all the saints and/or least of the apostles? Are you making a case of hyperbole? Of Scripture contradicting itself or sending mixed messages? I think the two verses stand to be read as they are printed.

 

[Prentis]

I would not say Paul is not the greatest in the Kingdom, he also says that he labored more greatly then all the others (yet not him, but the grace of God in him). But he labored so for the same Master, and the same Gospel. :)

Also, it is a principle that to be great in the kingdom, one must become the servant of all.

 

[gregg]

to the question? JESUS is the answer. :blink: :)

 

[Buzzfruit]

I would not say Paul is not the greatest in the Kingdom, he also says that he labored more greatly then all the others (yet not him, but the grace of God in him). But he labored so for the same Master, and the same Gospel. :)

Also, it is a principle that to be great in the kingdom, one must become the servant of all.

Paul was being humble when he said he is the least but does not mean that he was the least in the kingdom. Jesus said we will be rewarded according to our works, so Paul's reward will be great in God's kingdom. The least in the kingdom are those who are new believers.

to the question? JESUS is the answer. :blink: :)

No, Jesus is not the least.....He is the greatest......He is King of kings.

 

[Nomad]

Who is least in the kingdom of heaven?

Who is Jesus talking about in Matthew 11:11?

Something Jesus says just two chapters away could possibly shed some light on his meaning.

Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
Mat 13:17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Many think that Jesus refers to the average post resurrection, post Pentecost, believer who is now privileged to have and to preach the good news of redemption completed in Christ. This is something that Israel and her prophets could only see darkly in obscure prophesies and in the types and shadows of the Mosaic sacrificial /
ceremonial system.

 

[Buzzfruit]

Something Jesus says just two chapters away could possibly shed some light on his meaning.

Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
Mat 13:17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Many think that Jesus refers to the average post resurrection, post Pentecost, believer who is now privileged to have and to preach the good news of redemption completed in Christ. This is something that Israel and her prophets could only see darkly in obscure prophesies and in the types and shadows of the Mosaic sacrificial /
ceremonial system.

You are correct. John the Baptist who was the greatest prophet because he had the privilege of announcing Jesus, but those who came after John was and is able to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. The disciples as soon as they received the Holy Spirit went out and preached the good news.

 

[Nomad]

You are correct.

I manage to find someone who agrees with me every now and then.

 

[Buzzfruit]

I manage to find someone who agrees with me every now and then.

:)