Luke 7:24-30 NRSVue

²⁴When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? ²⁵What, then, did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces. ²⁶What, then, did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ²⁷This is the one about whom it is written,

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

²⁸“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.” ²⁹(And all the people who heard this, including the tax collectors, acknowledged the justice of God, having been baptized with John’s baptism. ³⁰But the Pharisees and the experts in the law, not having been baptized by him, rejected God’s purpose for themselves.)

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
What made John so great - and what an affirmation Jesus gives him! - was his readiness to take second place and point people towards Jesus.

Reflection
Are there situations in my life where I am asked to take 'second place'? (The person in ‘second place’ is often necessary but not prominent.)

Reflection
Am I happy with 'second place' like John the Baptist? Do I feel Jesus' affirmation of me?

Reflection
Do I hate 'second place'? Is there something I need to talk to the Lord about?

Reflection
Jesus reminds the people of what they sought and found in John the Baptist: they did not search for some trivial reed or elegant courtesan but encountered a sign of God's presence. I take some time to recall and savour again the people who have helped me to discover God's ways.

Reflection
As I am one of the least in the kingdom of God, I consider that Jesus thinks me great.