Pondering John 3:22-30.
For many years, I have had the joy of serving alongside pastors and teachers who are committed to Christ and His Word. I’ve entertained many in my home. I’ve vacationed with several. I’ve shared the extremely close quarters of mission trips with a few. I have witnessed their words and actions behind closed doors of staff meetings. And I will be the first to admit they aren’t perfect. They are human and are exposed to the same temptations as every other person. Yet they faithfully pursued righteousness.
John the Baptist said of Jesus, “He must become greater; I must become less.”
I have not witnessed my mentors struggle with this verse but I know that all of us could easily fall down the slippery slope of seeking greatness and value in all the wrong ways. I’m just telling it like it is.
It seems obvious that Jesus should be known as greater than anyone who has and will ever live in this world. He’s the uncreated Creator, Sustainer of life, Giver of every good and perfect gift, Teacher of wisdom, the One who fought temptation and won, and the One who defeated death. And so much more. How could anyone possibly occupy His throne?
When John the Baptist’s disciples expressed jealousy because crowds were shifting their allegiance to Jesus, John replied, “He must become greater; I must become less.” While John remained faithful to minister to anyone God sent his way, he continued to point people away from his presence into the presence of Jesus. He wasn’t insecure. He was not jealous of Jesus. He wasn’t competitive.
For some, John’s statement can be the very reason why they choose to reject Jesus. To live this verse implies taking backstage. Yet our culture instructs us from an early age to compete for the prize and enjoy the applause. It tells us to grab all the glory we can. It preaches that we are only valuable when we are successful in the eyes of the world.
I obeyed my culture’s commands at one time, so I can confidently say, “Living with the lie that we are the center of the universe is arrogant. It’s prideful. And it’s ugly.”
Culture whispers untruths that are easy to believe. Yet, John the Baptist lived counter culturally, declaring that he would not pretend to be someone who he was not. He was confident in his calling. He knew to whom he belonged. He found complete joy in the One to whom He was committed. This is true freedom.
As devoted disciples of Jesus, we can follow John the Baptist’s example and also experience the same freedom. Freedom is found when comfortable with whom God created us to be, not wanting to imitate others. Freedom is found when doing the works God planned for us, not adding more tasks in an effort to be found worthy. Freedom is found in rejoicing over the accomplishments of others. Freedom is found in knowing we are deeply loved and wanted. But mostly freedom is found in an intimate relationship with Jesus—one where He leads and we follow.
I’ve had opportunities to teach and lead. And my diligent prayer has been, “Jesus, I ask that in all I do and say, You become greater and I become less.” It’s also underlined in my Bible. It’s written on a post-it note on my computer. And I’m thinking of writing it on a wall in my closet.
I want Jesus to be known and loved!
Questions to ponder:
Do I believe that God is greater? Or am I sitting on my own throne, trying to control circumstances? If so, how is that working?
Am I seeking the admiration of others? Or am I living so others can see God’s presence?
Do I serve for His renown?
debponders 