Today we conclude this brief look at John the Baptist. The man wound up in prison for being the forerunner of Jesus. Many are in the same place today because of their bold witness for Jesus. Let us not forget to pray for them before going about our work today. Prison can be a depressing place. While in prison John began to have a few doubts. I would too. Someone told Jesus about this. Perhaps others began to have doubts about John. It is so easy to judge others when you're free on the street and they are in some prison of doubt or discouragement, isn't it? Jesus brought everything to a screeching halt when he uttered these laudatory words concerning John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?...A man dressed in fine clothes?...A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet...I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he..." (Matt. 11:7-9, 11 NIV).

I imagine that John's heart leaped for joy and his eyes filled with tears when someone brought him word of what Jesus said about his life and ministry. How many people are there that you know who could use a word of encouragement today? From the President of the United States to a little child in the ghetto, we all need to hear words of praise. And when Jesus praises you, nothing can be greater. And He did do that in this verse! Did you catch it? Go back and read it again. You are in this verse.

Prayer: God who is greater than all our best thoughts, help us to know that those who are least in your kingdom are greater than the one of whom Your Son said that no one was greater. Help us to grasp this awesome truth and live it out today in the words we say and the deeds we do. Through Christ we pray.