DAY #146: John 3:22-4:3

Here in this passage, John reiterated what he had told the disciples earlier: “I am not the Messiah”. John had always been forthright in declaring his position; he did this so that the distinction between himself and the Messiah would be unmistakably clear. His job had always been to prepare the way for him—that is all.

John employed a beautiful metaphor to depict the way he saw his relationship with Jesus the Christ. He described himself as being the bridegroom’s friend—or, as we would say today, “the best man.” As the best man, John enjoyed seeing his friend, the bridegroom, honored. He insisted that all the attention should go to the bridegroom and his bride.

What a realization John had! He knew that his work was destined to become less and less—he himself would have to decrease. John’s willingness to decrease so that Jesus would increase reveals unusual humility. It also reveals how much he was like Jesus in character. John’s statement revealed his attitude about Christ’s superiority and preeminence over him.

Believers need not wonder whether or not they have eternal life. All who believe in God’s Son have eternal life. Thus, eternal life begins at the moment of spiritual rebirth. The question for individual believers, then, is: How does our way of living demonstrate the fact that we expect to live eternally?

In contrast, those who don’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life. There are only two groups in the end—those who have eternal life, and those who do not. To disobey the Son is to reject him. To reject the Son’s testimony and the gospel is to cut ourselves off from the benefits available only through him. Those people will experience the wrath of God.

Jesus had gained many more disciples than just the Twelve. We know that he had at least seventy-two committed disciples (Luke 10:1-17). We are also told that various disciples came and went, especially when times were difficult or when Jesus predicted troubles ahead.

Knowing that the Pharisees had heard about his popularity and that they would begin watching him closely, and at the same time knowing that his “hour” had not yet come, Jesus wisely decided to withdraw from possible conflict by leaving Judea and returning to Galilee. Thus, Jesus’ first Judean visit had come to an end—a visit begun by his coming to Jerusalem for the Passover.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

How easy it is at time (more often than not) to forget that our life story is not about us. So many times we get so wrapped up in our world and our relationships and our problems that we think we are the star of the show. In reality, Jesus is the star of the show and the story is all about Him. We are supporting actors/actresses in His story.

John the Baptist never forgot his role. he never forgot that his life was to bring glory to Jesus. His life was to prepare a way for Jesus. His life and his story was a subplot int the greatest story - the story of God's love for mankind and the lengths God goes to show us His love.

Do you remember what I've said EGO stands for? (Edging God Out). Oh Lord, remind me very day that this life I live is about You. Give me a humble heart and a humble spirit. Drive the pride and self-centerdness from me. Give me a heart like John the Baptist. May I decrease and may You increase.

"... But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for— God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; He'll promote you at the right time." 1 Peter 5:5-6 (MB)