John the Baptist had a very specific and significant ministry, his role was one foretold by the prophets as preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. But now Jesus was here and some of Jesus' disciples were baptising people and the disciples of John the Baptist were confused – they weren't happy at the disciples of Jesus usurping their master's role!
John has to sort out the dispute:
(25) An argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. (26) 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." (27) To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. (28) You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' (29) 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. (30) He must become greater; I must become less. (31) "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.
John 3:25-31 [NIV]
John is very clear about his relationship to Jesus - He must become greater; I must become less. (v.30). Jesus had to increase:
1. Because of his divine origin (v.31)
2. Because of his divine teaching (v.32-34)
3. Because of his divine authority (v.35,36)
John recognised that he had played his part, he had fulfilled his responsibilities and he now had to give way to someone who was greater than he. This shows a remarkable level of humility. He was prepared to see his status change and certainly did not seek or assert his status.
We live in a very status conscious age and people are keen to assert their rights as they see them. Neither John nor Jesus was impressed by such attitudes. Are you?
Martin Saxby
Read the Bible in a Year: Psalm 55:12-23; Joshua 23:1-24:33; John 3:22-36
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