Jesus often spoke in riddles. Here he springs three of them on us. Can you solve them? #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/_CrUWQl5Dz8

Scripture Reading
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the 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 came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen!

Reflection
This is a very short passage, and it seems very enigmatic, almost like a riddle. What did Jesus mean when he said, "among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he"? It is quite simple, really. The prophets that came before John had predicted the coming of the Messiah. However, John the Baptist would actually see him and testify about him, which made him special among prophets.

So why is John the least in the kingdom of heaven, then? Because although he has seen the Messiah, he still lived according to the Old Covenant. Those born after him who accepted Christ as Savior would be citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. They would have seen the fulfillment of God's plan, whereas John was still looking forward to its realization. Remember, John the Baptist would die before Jesus had died and risen again.

And what did Jesus mean when he said that "from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force"? This can be confusing because of how we generally understand violence and how it is used twice in the same sentence. However, they are declaring two separate things, and breaking it up makes it easier to understand. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence when those who are opposed to it attack it. In Jesus' time, these would be people like the Pharisees who did not understand John's call to repentance and opposed him and his aim to prepare the way for the Lord.

The second part makes sense if one looks at the word "violent" as meaning "strength of emotion" or "forcefulness" rather than how we typically understand the term. People like John the Baptist did not lead a comfortable life. Opposed to the world's ways, like the prophets before him, John led a life of mortification, penance, poverty, and austerity. He was determined to enter heaven, bulldozing his way through if necessary. Things changed after Christ. As Christians, we are saved by grace.

Aren't we blessed for it?

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Today's devotional — New Dawn — is based on Matthew 11:11-15, the gospel reading for the day. The reflection is by Aneel Aranha, founder of Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI). Follow him on Facebook: fb.com/aneelaranha

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