Summary: Jesus spoke of John the Baptist as the greatest prophet, yet those in the Kingdom of God are greater. People who accepted John’s message acknowledged God’s truth, while others rejected it.
Gospel Acclamation: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God. (Luke 3:4, 6)
When the messengers of John the Baptist had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. “What did you go out to the desert to see—a reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom Scripture says:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
he will prepare your way before you.
I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”
(All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.)