Luke 7:24-35: The Baptist's legacy

Jesus waited carefully until John's messengers were out of earshot, and then began talking to the crowds about the Baptist. He saw a good opportunity to compare and contrast.

He has some high praise - John was a prophet, more than a prophet. He calls him the greatest.

And yet, he says, even the least in the new kingdom that I am bringing - even the least would outrank him.

Everyone on the crowds nodded their heads sagely. Oh yes, we agree with that. Completely right.
Of course. Obvious really.

Except OFSTED. They hadn't thought much of John, they hadn't been prepared to be baptised by him, and to hear Jesus placing himself further out than John from their idea of religious orthodoxy only served to convince them still more that they were right to reject him.

Jesus watched. Ordinary people, ex-sinners included, agreeing with him 100%. Respectable, religious establishment turning up their noses.

Like two rival gangs of children. One gang will never join the other gang, even if they secretly want to. They can't risk losing face.

Jesus knows now, if he didn't already, that as far as the pharisees are concerned, he can never win.