None is greater than John the Baptist
Jesus’ Praise of John (Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28):
Jesus says in Matthew 11:11 and Luke 7:28, "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist...". This statement can be interpreted as Jesus Himself acknowledging John's superiority.
11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence,[c] and men of violence take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John; 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Eli′jah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear,[d] let him hear.
John's Role in Baptizing Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22):
In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist. This act shows John as purer than Jesus, as traditionally, the one performing the baptism is in a position of spiritual authority over the baptized. In these accounts, Jesus coming to John and submitting to baptism could be seen as an acknowledgment of John's spiritual authority.
Mark 1:9-11 – The Baptism of Jesus
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove; 11 and a voice came from heaven, “Thou art my beloved Son;[d] with thee I am well pleased.”
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