John 3:25-28 - One day someone began an argument with John’s disciples, telling them that Jesus’ baptism was best. So they came to John and said, “Master, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River—the one you said was the Messiah—he is baptizing too, and everybody is going over there instead of coming here to us.” John replied, “God in heaven appoints each man’s work. My work is to prepare the way for that man so that everyone will go to him. You yourselves know how plainly I told you that I am not the Messiah. I am here to prepare the way for him—that is all.
As Jesus began His own ministry….some of John the Baptist’s disciples took issue with Jesus baptizing. They were concerned that Jesus had more followers than John. They were concerned that Jesus was baptizing more people. They were concerned that John was not as popular anymore.
John’s response models for all of us how to react when people try to sow seeds of discontent in our hearts. John knew his job was to prepare the way for the Messiah…and now the Messiah was here. He refused to let the words of these followers sway him form the task that God had sent him to do. He continued to prepare the way for the messiah and pointed people to Jesus. He became less…so Jesus could become more.
What a great reminder that it is not about any individual. God gave us life to do something for Him…Everything we do should point people to God...not to what we have done ourselves. No one man...minister…preacher…teacher….is better than any other. We need to focus on our individual job so that the big picture can be seen by as many people as possible.
Father…thank you for the reminder that I was sent to Earth to point people to you. Forgive me for the times that I have let the seeds of discontent take root and grow into pride and hypocrisy. Help me to be more like John….sure of what you sent me to do for you…ready to become less…so people can see more of you. Amen.
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