Journey Through JohnSample

Scripture:

John 3:30 He must become greater; I must become less.

Observation:

As Jesus’ popularity increased, John’s public popularity decreased. John went from being the biggest attraction around, to losing his followers to Jesus, to landing in prison, and then later he was even killed in a gruesome way. But John was satisfied to fulfill the role God gave him. He didn’t let the fame go to his head, and he didn’t let the decrease in followers depress him. John knew it was appropriate for Jesus to be the center of attention – like the groom at a wedding – because Jesus is the Messiah. And he knew that it would not have been appropriate for John to try to draw the attention and popularity to himself. He was glad to be like the “best man” at a wedding – preparing the way for, drawing attention to, and celebrating Jesus. 

Application:

I am so impressed with John the Baptist. He had such a healthy outlook on himself and what made him valuable. He was comfortable accepting the role God gave him, whether he appeared successful by human standards or appeared to be a failure. I think I would have been embarrassed and self-conscious about losing my followers and losing fame and popularity. I might have even gotten jealous and tried to get my followers back. I have so much to learn about true humility and about what it means to live for God’s glory and not my own. I want to learn to live completely submissive to God’s purposes, not even thinking about my own success or reputation. 

Prayer: 

Lord work in me. Forgive me for caring too much what other people think about me. Help me to be willing to do whatever task you have for me – great or small. Help me to only want to draw attention to you and point to your greatness – and not to seek to look good myself. I do love you Lord. You are truly worthy of praise and honor and of all our attention. Amen

Truths to notice:

3:31 Jesus is greater than all other people, because He is both God and man. 

3:34 Jesus spoke the words of God. Jesus had God’s Spirit without limit. 

3:34-35 God exists in three persons: Father, Son and Spirit. They are closely related and love each other. To reject one of them is to reject the others. 

3:36 Rejecting Jesus disqualifies a person for eternal life. Believing in Jesus brings eternal life.