Least Yet Greater, Because Jesus Lives Within
The moment the engine wakes, a quiet picture of Jesus supplying His life within.
Devotional Credit: eManna, Witness Lee
Photo Credit: Unsplash
We hear Jesus say that the least in the kingdom is greater than John the Baptist. That sounds surprising at first. John stood tall in history, announcing that the Messiah had arrived. He saw Jesus with his eyes and pointed others to Him. Yet Jesus says there is a kind of greatness that John did not carry, a greatness available to any ordinary kingdom person who shares in Jesus’ indwelling life.
Witness Lee highlights the turning point. The prophets said Messiah would come. John said Messiah has come. But New Covenant people can say, Christ lives in me. That is the decisive difference. John could identify Jesus among the crowd. We get to abide in Him, and He abides in us. Our relationship is not only near, it is within, and that nearness is what Jesus calls “greater.”
This is not about status or spiritual celebrity. It is about union. The Spirit unites us to the risen Jesus. We are joined to the Lord in one spirit, which means the Christian life is not God improving our self-effort, it is Jesus expressing His life through us. The closer we are to Him, the more His life is seen. In the kingdom, closeness is not measured by miles, it is measured by indwelling.
So when Jesus says the least is greater, He is inviting us to rest in what He has given. We are not outsiders trying to get in. We are sons and daughters in whom He delights to dwell. Our greatness is borrowed greatness, the presence of Jesus within. That is the blessing John announced from the shore, and we now carry in our hearts. Thank you, Witness Lee, for pointing us to this treasure.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I dwell in you because you are in Christ, and Christ is in you. I have joined you to the Lord, and you are one spirit with Him. You are not striving to rise to a standard, you are sharing a life. I have sealed you for the day of redemption, and I bear witness that you belong to the Son. Where He is, you are represented, and where you are, He is present.
John heralded the King at the river. I place the King’s life within you. You were baptized into His death and raised to walk in newness of life. Consider yourself alive to God in Christ Jesus. Do not look over your shoulder for an old identity that I have counted crucified. Set your mind on the things above, for your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Abiding is not a hurdle to clear, it is a home I have prepared in you. Remain in the Son as a branch remains in the vine, and His life will bear its own fruit. You are not asked to manufacture love or joy, you are invited to trust the One who produces them. I write My law upon your heart, and I empower what I command. Not that you are sufficient from yourself, but your sufficiency is from God.
So walk today with confidence. The least in the kingdom carries a treasure greater than outward signs. Christ in you is the hope of glory. Yield to Him moment by moment, and I will make His life plain in your words, your work, and your way. The greatness Jesus speaks of is not your achievement, it is His indwelling presence expressed through you.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of pressing the start button in a modern car. The engine does not demand your strength, it supplies the power the moment you are united to it with the key present. Once the system recognizes that the key is within the cabin, power flows, lights come on, and the car moves with energy you did not create. In the same way, the Holy Spirit unites you to Jesus. His life is present within you, and movement comes from His power, not your push.
Try this today. When a conversation is tense at work, do not brace yourself with self-effort. Quietly yield your inner posture to the indwelling Spirit and say, Lord, I trust You to express Your patience and clarity through me right now. Then answer simply and truthfully. Let Jesus supply what the moment requires.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Christ I am not outside looking in. Thank You that Jesus lives in me by Your Spirit. You have already given me union, acceptance, and power for a holy life. I affirm that I am alive to You, joined to the Lord, and equipped for every good work. I rest in what You have provided, and I welcome the life of Jesus to be expressed through me today for Your glory. Amen.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Matthew 11:11. Luke 7:28. Galatians 2:20. Romans 6:3-11. Colossians 1:27. 1 Corinthians 6:17. John 15:4-5. Romans 8:9-11. Ephesians 1:13-14. Ephesians 3:16-19. Hebrews 8:10. Jeremiah 31:33. Colossians 3:1-4. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6. 1 Peter 1:3. Philippians 1:21.