Someone had asked the meaning of the expression of Jesus that among those born of the woman there has not arisen one greater than John the Baptist (Luke 7:28), to which Joseph Smith responded:
John, at that time, was the only LEGAL administrator, holding the keys of power there was on earth. The keys, the kingdom, the power, the glory, had departed from the Jews; and John, the son of Zachariah, by the holy anointing, and decree of heaven, held the keys of power at that time.Joseph Smith
Source: Times and Seasons 4 (15 May 1843)
The Words of Joseph Smith: Page 163
