Pride and Prejudice and the Least in the Kingdom

Who are the least in the Kingdom of God? In our passage today from Luke 7:18-50, Jesus compares the “least” in the Kingdom who rightly estimate their sinfulness before God with the pride and prejudice of the Pharisees who cannot truly see and acknowledge their own sinfulness. Jesus affirms that John the Baptist is the greatest of the Old Covenant prophets; in fact he is the greatest of those born of women, but Jesus says the one who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than John! When we rightly estimate ourselves before God’s holy tribunal, we come to the end or ourselves, our own works for God, and through repentance and faith depend upon and trust in the forgiveness of sins that is offered in the Person of Jesus Christ! Are you the least in the Kingdom of God?