He made clear in a place or 3 that
THOSE WHO DO THE WILL OF HIS FATHER
ARE DUE AT LEAST AS MUCH, IF NOT MORE
HONOR AND RESPECT than His Mother, brothers and sisters.
AND
that John The Baptist was greater than Mary.
Personally I do not believe That John the Baptist statement is a doctrine. Jesus can and does take words that are from their colloquiallism of that time.
New American Standard Bible
"I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
If it comes from this statement. There is a lot to think about in this statement for sure. But I do not recall a specfic statement greater than Mary unless you know. And I know you can recall if it is there. I have read your Bible quotes with good exposition at times. I like all of your statements outside where I disagree.
I think it was to denote he was sent from God but not greater than every individual who existed period. We have Jesus, Enoch who was swept up to God and Elijah who John was called too. If he was that great why did he doubt Christ thru a messenger when Christ repeats to tell John that the lame walk and the blind see. I believe he was a messenger to prepare for Christs coming. I think Christ was emphazing the importance of John's office before God.
Also that statement I believe has some to do with him dying wether he was died or alive when Christ stated it. Which I think is influenced from "there is no greater friend than one who would die for another"( famous statment from Jesus) . Noticed the word greater used also if I remember correctly. Alot of rare people have died for others. Who is greater than the other outside of Christ. Remember John died for the Gospel too even if it was in the middle of the Gospels accounts before the real apostle preaching.
So no I do not believe he was greater than Mary. Jesus was still Mary's Child no matter how any of us want to try to minimize. You know I think my indy church brothers forget what burden it was to be Mary. How would you like to know that one of the main purposes of your Child from when he was born was to be brutally insulted and beaten to a pulp and die for all humanity yet still be your child. All done in front of her. She knew from the beginning. Also another human would of become insane. Who could tolerate this without a special sustaining Grace of Graces. Yet to be wounded never the less.
LUKE 2:
34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed-- 35and a SWORD will PIERCE even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
"THOSE WHO DO THE WILL OF HIS FATHER"
She did that and more. The Lord has to Honor her for all time. It is a commandment to do so. Honor your Mother and Father. Since he is the sinless lamb as slain as told in Revelation. This means John the apostle saw Jesus as a Human slain in even eternity. So he still is in his Humanity for all eternity. He also has a Mother for all eternity. He chose to come in a womb not a rib from a man like Eve. He wanted a Mother that I think is with out a doubt clear. Yes for all time since entering humanity. Note the son of man designation name also Jesus(The divinity and humanhood). He will always be called Son of Man and Son of God. To be a son you have a Mother.
Praise Jesus And Hail Mary as the angel proclaimed!! All biblical!!
AMEN! AMEN!