John 3 records a situation that could have turned out very badly. John the Baptist, who has enjoyed large success in his ministry, faces the challenge of responding to the fact that Jesus’ ministry is beginning to eclipse his own. One of John’s disciples points out (apparently with some consternation) that all of John’s disciples are going to Jesus. How will John respond to his diminishing influence? Will he express the natural human responses: jealousy, resentment, dejection? His response, by God’s grace, is exemplary. He acknowledges that Jesus’ success is from God, reminds his follower that he had always insisted that he is Jesus’ subordinate, and expresses that his joy is tied to Jesus’ success. Because of these things he can honestly say that he wants Jesus’ star to rise while his star fades into the horizon.
As I ponder these verses I wonder if I can honestly say “He must increase, but I must decrease.” These words are so easy to verbalize and yet so difficult to internalize. What does it look like to think this way? The key to understanding the concrete ramifications of John’s statement lie in reviewing his thoughts and actions prior to this declaration. I cannot copy John’s final, gloriously self-denying call for Jesus’ magnification unless I embrace his earlier, daily submission to Jesus’ rights.
1. John, the son of a priest (and so in line to serve as a priest with its comforts, stability, and prestige) lived in the wilderness, dressed in rough clothing, and ate a meager diet. His garb and diet were intended to communicate to the public that he was God’s prophet so that they would listen. But apparently he was rejected by the majority as being demon-possessed (Mt. 11:18). His sacrifices seemed fruitless.
2. John pointedly proclaimed a firm message that angered unrepentant sinners. He confronted people from all classes, including the religious leaders of Israel and the political leaders appointed by Rome. He did not compromise to be liked, received, or even tolerated.
3. John resisted every temptation to pronounce himself to be something more than he was. How easy it would have been to gain a little more credibility with the crowds and a little more weight for his message if he had been dishonest.
4. John humbly thought of himself as nothing more than a herald. Jesus later identifies John as the Elijah that was to come. Did John lie when he denied that he was Elijah (Jn. 3:21)? No. He simply did not think so highly of himself to imagine that he might be anything more than he was: a mouthpiece for God preparing the Lord’s way.
5. John publicly acknowledged his inferiority to Jesus (thus exalting Jesus).
6. John engaged in a ministry for the purpose of revealing Jesus to men.
7. John testified explicitly before all Jesus’ exalted status as the Son of God and his intended goal of being a substitute sacrifice for sin.
John’s entire life reflected the priorities contained in the statement “He must increase but I must decrease.” And so I find myself challenged, not so much by the statement, but by the life. My hope is that the Spirit who indwelled John lives in me. Therefore, I can live in such a way that Jesus is magnified in my life. God give me a heart that desires Jesus’ exaltation above my own! A life driven by that desire will certainly get what it wants.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
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