John, the baptist less?

Matthew 11:11  Amen I say to you, there has not been arisen among ones born to women greater than John the Baptist; but the lesser in the kingdoms of the heavens greater than he is.


In the ABP today, I saw something different than what has been taught in the past about John, the baptist being lesser than one in the kingdom of heaven.   I can see that some English words were added for understanding, but is the understanding actually what Jesus is saying?

I believe this corresponds with Daniel 2:11 where he says a kingdom of heaven will be set up which can never be destroyed. This is what we have now through Yeshua, Messiah. Looking at the word lesser in the Greek, the word is mikron which means a small space of time and it is a noun not a verb. What I think the thought is including here, is that a small space of time in the new kingdom of heaven with Yeshua, is greater than the time of the kingdom of God being with Israel through the obedience to the law. That ended with John preparing the way to what has now come. By grace through faith.

Where is the kingdom of God on earth today? Is it not yet in Israel? Yes, but Israel is now what it began to be with Jacob. When man wrestles with the angel of God, our Saviour and says to Him....I will not let you go until you bless me....and his name becomes Israel...the true meaning of the land. When men are changed into the image of God through the transforming power of the Cross!

Jacob, once called deceiver and supplanter...now the blessed children!