[Quix]

Personally, I don’t think we have a clue in any precise way,

WHY Jesus said John was greatest of mortals.

However, it IS CLEAR HE MEANT IT.

It is also clear that included greater than Mary.

[small voice in the wilderness]

It states in Luke 7:28 "For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a GREATER PROPHET than John the Baptist.."

Which is a good time to clarify that scripture should be judged with scripture, to get the WHOLE point. I think others were in Matthew, where Greater Prophet wasn't mentioned.