What is the context?
Once John's disciples leave, Jesus asks the crowds what drew them into the wilderness. John was no swaying reed or court figure dressed for luxury. The questions lead to a stronger description: he was a prophet, and more than a prophet, because he prepared the way for the One who was coming.
Jesus applies the messenger promise of Malachi 3:1 to John. His greatness is tied to that place in God's work. The saying about the least in the kingdom being greater puts the gift of belonging to God's kingdom above even John's remarkable role. It does not say that John was an enemy of God or that his faithful service counted for nothing.
Verse 12 is difficult. The Greek verb is βιάζω, biazō (bee-AH-zoh), meaning to use force. Thayer's entry explains this saying as people eagerly laying hold of the kingdom, while other interpreters understand hostile force against it. The BSB main text uses the latter kind of wording, and its footnote offers forceful advance as another translation. The different readings are explained below.
The Law and the Prophets pointed forward to what is now unfolding. Jesus identifies John with the promised Elijah of Malachi 4:5–6, and calls the crowd to listen. Luke 1:16–17 describes John's calling in terms of Elijah's spirit and power: turning people back to God and preparing them for the Lord. In Matthew 17:10–13, the disciples again understand Jesus' words about Elijah as referring to John.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly recognize John as the promised messenger who prepared for Jesus. Wesley on Matthew 11:9–11 emphasizes John's closeness to the fulfillment and the fuller knowledge of Christ available after His saving work. The US Catholic bishops' note on 11:11 emphasizes the greater privilege of belonging to the kingdom. These explanations both place John's greatness within the greater gift Jesus brings.
The force language in verse 12 receives different readings. Wesley on 11:12 pictures eager people pressing into the kingdom, like people storming a city. The US Catholic bishops' note on 11:12 instead understands opponents trying to keep people from receiving it. That is a difference between these commentators' explanations; neither note establishes what every Methodist or Catholic believes about the verse. The saying is not a command for the disciples to spread their message through physical attack.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
John's work is one part of a promise moving toward salvation through Jesus. In Acts 13:23–26, Paul retells that movement: God brings the promised Savior from David's descendants, John prepares the people through a baptism of repentance, and the message of salvation is announced through Jesus.
The same chapter carries the story beyond that first announcement. In Acts 13:46–49, Paul and Barnabas proclaim salvation to Gentiles as well. John prepares the way in Israel, and the Savior he announces becomes the center of good news reaching the nations. The servant's importance lies in helping people receive that Savior.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.