Jesus had publically commended John the Baptist. Nobody else had been privileged to have such a significant spiritual ministry than John. By saying this, he appeared to reduce the spiritual status of Abraham, Moses, David and the other prophets. But why? Because nobody else had publically announced Jesus as the Saviour of the world (yes, the angel gave Mary and Joseph that message individually before Christ's birth, Simeon and Anna spoke privately at Jesus' dedication; but John's proclamation of Jesus as the Lamb of God was unique, physical and public).
 
Then Jesus appeared to denigrate John, by saying that even the least in the kingdom of heaven was greater than John. What did that mean? John was only the messenger; even the most insignificant person who welcomed the message would become a child of God - and there is no more honoured status in heaven.
 
The gospel message was certainly being heard in Israel, and those who welcomed it were being prepared for the beginning of the church. Other people felt very threatened and so they sought to fight against Jesus and the disciples. Later, the violence would increase and be more widespread. So John's task of physically pointing people to Jesus was the beginning of many blessings and also many troubles. He was the last runner in the 'prophetic relay' of the Old Testament. When he announced Jesus, the prophetic job was done ... all that remained was for many people to believe in Jesus.
 
The world likes celebrities; the people who can make headlines. The church still needs people to proclaim Christ to this generation, but the preacher is not above the penitent who welcomes the message. We like to have our spiritual heroes, but the Lord Jesus said that the least influential person who believes the message is greater than the messenger. If all heaven is longing to see even just one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7), why do we celebrate one minister over another? It is worldly behaviour. There is only one 'class of Christian' - a Christian! Whatever else we may think is really idolatry!