32. Jesus Responds to John the Baptist.
Jesus reported to John the successful results of his work. Then he praised John as a prophet who came to prepare the way and as the greatest of those who tried to force their way into the realm of heaven. But now the Christ has opened the door of heaven to all, and anyone who has entered into soul consciousness is greater than those who came before.
It was prophesied that Elijah would return again, and Jesus declared that John was the reincarnation of the soul or the spirit of Elijah; yet he knew that not everyone would accept this idea. Many did accept the baptism of John, but to the self-righteous who thought they already had it made Jesus pointed out the empty rationalizations they made in order to reject John and himself. Nevertheless their wisdom had been demonstrated by their actions.