Matthew 11:11-14 ESV
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. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.
Jesus tells us John has no peer among those born of woman, yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. That is because anyone who walks in the kingdom is born from above.
The kingdom of heaven seems to have suffered violence at the hands of the violent prior to appearance of Jesus. Jesus came and overcame death and destruction. He freed the captives and led them home. Until then the strong man's house remained dark and the people were chained by sin. The peace of Christ has begun to reign.
Jesus goes on to give another reason he is the greatest of the prophets. Prior to John, prophets prophesied of the one to come. John announces the arrival of the Messiah.
The coming of Jesus changed everything.
Romans 3:21-22
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:
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