Matthew 11:11
The identification of the kingdom of heaven is the key to many passages in the gospels. Many different interpretations have been advanced in order to understand the phrase. I always understand it to refer to Christ himself. If taken this way, Jesus is saying that, though John was the greatest prophet that had yet walked the earth, the least of those who are ‘in Christ’ is greater than him. In other words, Jesus is pointing to himself once again. He is not minimizing John, but making it clear that John and all of the other Old Testament prophets, were less than the kingdom of heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ. If John, or anyone else, failed to accept Christ, they would suffer the greatest loss, no matter how great they might themselves be.
Bible Reading: Philemon 1-Hebrews 3:19
Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:11 “But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not wither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for all that You do in our minds. You give us clarity of thought and understanding. If we want wisdom, You will give it to us freely. If we seek to know You more and have Your knowledge within us, You will help us to have it. Thank You for being so open-handed with Yourself! You let us puny little people know the greatness of Your person. You cultivate a relationship with us. Wow! How can we ever thank You enough for that personal relationship with Christ that we have by Your mercy? Thank You for life through Jesus! Thank You for life with Jesus! Thank You for life in Jesus! Give us a sense of Your awesome grace and love towards us. May we know You and be familiar with all of Your ways. You are the Glorious One, Lord God Almighty! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a man recovering from surgery. Pray for a man having family trouble. Pray for a missionary in Africa.
Journal Entry #13089