Throughout the Old Testament there were many prophets who were involved with dramatic events such as calling down fire, raising the dead, wiping out entire armies, healing diseases and anointing and deposing kings. Nevertheless, it was John the Baptist who was said to be the greatest born of a woman.
John had the unique and stupendous assignment to declare who the Son of God was and to prepare His way. From a babe in the womb the Spirit within him had recognised Jesus – something all the prophets of old had desired to experience.
While John was baptising with water, he saw Jesus being baptised with the Holy Spirit and this confirmed to John that this indeed was the Messiah he had been waiting for --the One who would usher in the reign of the Spirit. This was the One who John desired should baptise him in the Holy Spirit.
Let’s go back to Jesus’ statement now: “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (John 1:11 NKJV).
I find this one of the most profound promises in the entire Bible. What Jesus is saying is that every person who has been filled with the Spirit, every born again believer baptised in the Holy Spirit, has a power available that wasn’t available to John the Baptist.
When you are baptised in the Holy Spirit you have had a profound encounter with God Himself. You have been entrusted with His Holy Spirit in order to bring transformation to this planet. It is no wonder that Jesus declared: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12 NKJV).
This promise is a promise that is in effect in this day and age. With the help of the Holy Spirit within us we are called upon to bring heaven to earth: “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10 NKJV).