Taking the Kingdom by Force

John was not a prosperity preacher. He was preparing the way of the Lord. He was proclaiming the coming Kingdom of God. He was preparing people. He was focused. And yes, he ate bugs.

Those in king's houses sought comfort. John sought to share the truth of the King-dom of God. He had separated himself from the world's kingdoms. He was willing to forego worldly pleasures for the sake of God's Kingdom.

So, Jesus said, "there has not risen a greater man than John, but he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he." It is not about value that Jesus is speaking of here. It is about the power of the ministry. Once Jesus was crucified and rose again those who were serving Him in the power of the Spirit and with the Gospel on their lips would have a more powerful ministry than John.
John said, "repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." We can say, "repent and believe, for the Kingdom of heaven is here!"