Something Greater is Here

In reading Matthew 11 - 13, I noticed a recurring phrase that caught my eye.

When speaking approvingly of John the Immerser, Jesus said in 11:11:

Among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Later, in 12:6, when Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees, part of his response to them included this:

But I tell you that something greater than the temple is here!

Later, in 12:42, when again challenged by the Pharisees, Jesus responded:

... something greater than Solomon is here!