superlative in effect though the comparative form is used. Leaving out Jesus himself and considering only the essentials of character, one may find it difficult to challenge the judgment of Jesus about John. But little in the kingdom. A more astounding statement still. Evidently Jesus now has in mind not character, but position. John is the close of one era and the beginning of a new one (vs. 13). He stood on top of the long line before and at the bottom of those in the new line. He was in the kingdom
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