An argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less. (John 3:25-30).
REFLECTION
John the Baptist stepped aside politely as soon as he saw the Messiah. Even as a baby in his mother's womb he leapt up for joy because of such a special encounter - and as a grown-up man John pays his respect to his superior still. Jesus is Lord! - John the Baptist couldn't agree more. The bridegroom's best man shouldn't try to attract all the attention; the bridegroom's friend is just happy to be included in the wedding celebrations. John listens attentively as soon as he recognises the bridegroom's voice, his face lights up when the Light of the world appears... John wants to glorify his Lord and he wants to step aside and become less. Yes, John wants to become smaller - if necessary literally smaller - if that's what it takes to honour his Lord.
PRAYER
Lord, I can't thank you enough for the great things you reveal in your Word. I enjoy learning more about your beautiful people, your very own children! John the Baptist, a rough man with a tender heart - what a great witness he was! He didn't mind that people left him in order to become the Master's disciples. His joy increased with every living soul that surrendered to Jesus. He must become greater; I must become less. That's my prayer too, Father. Please use me to reflect your Son's bright shining light in this dark world!
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4 comments:
Reminds me of an earlier conversation, wherein you mentioned James 3:13-14:
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth."
If John the Baptist had been a wrong (false) prophet, his unspiritual mind would have been "puffed up" with false notions of his own importance. It's a mark of his true calling that he wasn't, that he was able to gracefully step aside for Jesus.
Beautiful! Thanks, Paul!
Amen! Great post Paul.
Amen!
Great post, Paul.
I was trying to explain to my students the other day about not thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought, too.
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