John the Baptist played a key role in preparing for the coming of the Messiah. He did this both by the example of his austere way of life and also by calling on people to repent of their sinfulness and change their ways. It was the belief of the Jews that the prophet Elijah would return on the eve of the coming of the Messiah. Jesus says that John is fulfilling that role.

And yet, despite his greatness as a person under the old dispensation, he is still less than the least disciple in the Kingdom that Jesus inaugurates. The follower of Jesus has accepted the Good News of the Father's restoring love and has already entered into that healing relationship.

For John, as for those living under the old dispensation, judgement would come first and only then the inauguration of the Kingdom. For us, Jesus Himself is the Kingdom and all those who identify themselves with Him in His mission become part of that Kingdom also. It is also a Kingdom of love and peace and could not, as the hotheads of the time thought, be brought about by violence and rebellion against foreign powers. But in spite of its message, the Kingdom has been and continues to be the object of violence.