Last updated on August 24, 2025
These statements, found in Matthew 11:12–13: “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence, and the violent lay claim to it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John,” and Luke 16:16: “The Law and the Prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it,” can seem puzzling at first glance. Yet when we look deeper, they reveal a powerful truth about the intensity that surrounds the kingdom of God.
The Testimony Of John The Baptist
The Lord Jesus was highlighting a major turning point in history—the arrival of John the Baptist marked the beginning of a new era where the kingdom of God was being openly declared. With this proclamation came not only the fulfillment of prophecy but also intense spiritual conflict. This conflict didn’t remain in the spiritual realm; it spilled over into the physical world and became evident in the fierce opposition John faced.
Moreover, because John the Baptist boldly testified to the light—the very light that reveals the path to God’s kingdom—he became a direct target of that resistance. As John 1:8 says, “He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.” John’s mission was to point others to the true Light, the mediator of the new covenant, Jesus Christ, and for this reason, he endured oppression and persecution and was ultimately beheaded. His life stands as a powerful witness to the cost of proclaiming the kingdom and the spiritual battle that surrounds it.
The Babies
As the message of the kingdom spreads, it provokes jealousy, resistance and hatred among those who are in darkness. Many people are being forcefully pressed into the kingdom—sometimes even without realizing it. This pressure often comes through spiritual conflict, as oppressive demonic spirits work to distort the truth, cause division, and obscure the light of the gospel. Yet in the midst of this chaos, the true believers—those chosen to inherit the kingdom—can still see the light clearly. That light shines brightly in their hearts and stands at the center of their testimony for the kingdom of God. These witnesses are referred to by Jesus as “babies.”
In Luke 10:21, Jesus rejoices in the Spirit and says, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.”
The word “babes” in this verse is the Greek word νηπίοις (nēpiois), the dative plural form of νήπιος (nēpios), which means infants, babies, little children, or metaphorically, those who are spiritually childlike, innocent and humble. These are not the intellectually proud or religiously elite, but those with a simple, pure heart who are spiritually “awakened” to bear witness to the truth. Though the world may consider them immature or insignificant, they are the ones God has chosen to carry the testimony of the light. Their witness points directly to the kingdom of God—ultimately leading to Mount Zion, the place of God’s rule, presence, and glory.
The Kingdom Comes With Sufferings
Even today, the kingdom of God still faces oppression and violence, and anyone who tries to enter it often encounters indifference—or worse, active persecution by the world. The first believers endured these same hostile powers and suffered far greater atrocities. As Hebrews 11:37–38 recounts, “They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them.”
Although modern laws may shield present-day believers from open, legal persecution, spiritual attacks continue relentlessly—and sometimes even spill over into physical violence. Whenever believers stand firm in their faith and press into God’s kingdom, they still confront resistance from oppressive forces that seek to silence their testimony. Yet, just as the early church endured, today’s followers draw strength from the same promise: no matter how fierce the opposition, God’s kingdom advances through the faithful witness of His people.
Conclusion
The teachings of Jesus in Matthew 11:12 and Luke 16:16 reveal a profound spiritual truth about the nature of God’s kingdom in the present age. Since the days of John the Baptist, the kingdom of God has been advancing, but not without conflict. It is being subjected to violence—not just physical, but spiritual—as forces of darkness resist its spread. At the same time, people are pressing into it with urgency, often driven by desperation, hunger for truth, or even spiritual pressure. This pressing is not always peaceful; it happens in the midst of opposition, confusion, and resistance, both internally and from the world.
Bearers of the testimony of light and the kingdom, described by Jesus as “babes” (Greek: νηπίοις, nēpiois), are the humble and spiritually awakened ones who perceive the light of the kingdom and bear witness to it. Their testimony is central to the kingdom’s advance. While the world often ignores or persecutes them—as it did to the early saints in Hebrews 11:37–38—God continues to work through them to fulfill His purposes. Though today’s persecution may be more spiritual than physical, the battle for the kingdom remains intense. Yet in the midst of this struggle, the kingdom continues to grow, and those who press into it with faith and endurance will share in its eternal glory.
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