Who's The Least?
The Kingdom Principle
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In this book I would like to share my thoughts about a particular passage that is, in my opinion, clearly stated by Jesus and confirmed throughout the other Scriptures.... Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matthew 11:11). My main endeavor is to answer this simple question: Whom does Jesus consider to be "the least in the kingdom of heaven?" ...
Jesus said that His kingdom "is not of this world," but is instead a spiritual kingdom with spiritual principles (John 18:36). So in order to determine whom "the least in the kingdom" refers to, we must look at it from a spiritual viewpoint and not from the world’s viewpoint. For instance, does "the least in the kingdom" refer to the financially poorest person? Or perhaps to the youngest infant? How about the person with the lowest IQ? Or the least attractive person? The individual wearing the shabbiest clothing? Or maybe the newest convert in the Church? Would any of these types of people be considered "the least" by Jesus?
These are some of the ways in which the world categorizes people as being "the least." The Bible, however, says that God is no respecter of persons. He does not look at the outward appearance as man does. Instead He looks at the heart of every individual. God does not regard a poor person any more or any less than a rich person. (The Bible disapproves of the love for money, but not money itself.) God does not favor someone because they possess a high IQ, nor because they possess a low IQ. A new convert in the Church is just as much a part of the Body of Christ as is an elder in the Church. The point is that none of these individuals could have been what Jesus had in mind when He mentioned "the least in the kingdom." God simply does not place any of the above-mentioned types of people in the category of "the least."
So whom could this "least in the kingdom of heaven" be referring to?
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About the Book
In a race, the winner usually receives the majority of applause and recognition. Those who place second or third are often acknowledged as well. But rarely are spectators concerned with who comes in last. The kingdom of God, on the other hand, does not follow the same logic. God's standard is different from man's. Recorded in the Gospel of Matthew is the profound statement made by Jesus, "He that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than [John the Baptist]." In his book, Who’s the Least? The Kingdom Principle, author Norm Eberly grapples with the question, "Who is the least in the kingdom of heaven?" As he searches the Bible for answers, he overturns numerous stones, and uncovers some very interesting (and often surprising) conclusions. This thought-provoking book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to excel in the kingdom of God.
About the Author
Norman Eberly is an obscure author who currently resides in Pennsylvania. He and his wife and three daughters attend Apostolic Faith Church in Mechanicsburg, PA.