Hi John and Doves,

I believe the "clue" to the answer about John the Baptist's status in the
KINGDOM is summed up in Jesus' words  -  "those that are born of women"  i.e.
those that are BORN OF WOMEN ARE LEAST IN THE KINGDOM.    Jesus stated to
Nicodemus that he must be BORN OF THE 'SPIRIT'.   This is where the difference
lies.

Jesus came to announce a NEW Kingdom of heaven which would be inhabited by
those who are "born of the spirit".   John the Baptist did not live to see
that happen because the Holy Spirit was not released until after Jesus' death
and resurrection, which of course was several years after John the Baptist's
beheading.

In this sense, John the Baptist was one of the least in the NEW Kingdom
because he was a part of the old dispensation system of law - he was ONLY BORN
OF WOMAN, not OF THE SPIRIT.  He was but one of the Old Testament Saints who
will most certainly be included in the heavenly realm.

Jesus was talking about a whole new covenant system, when believers would
receive of his divine nature through the indwelling presence of the Holy
Spirit.   Jeremiah 31:31-34.  Those who dwell in the NEW KINGDOM would
be "greater than John the Baptist" because they would be BORN OF THE SPIRIT.

We have a most wonderful inheritance right here and now.

God Bless you all.
EAR