By Joe Slater
As John the Immerse prepared the way for Jesus, he
enjoyed tremendous success. Great numbers heard him
preach repentance, and many submitted to baptism.
Some of John’s disciples thought his success was being
threatened as multitudes came to Jesus. They protested,
“Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to
whom you have testified – behold, He is baptizing, and
all are coming to Him!” (John 3:26).
John, however, was undisturbed. He knew his job, he
knew who Jesus was, and he felt no rivalry. “A man can
receive nothing unless it has been given to him from
heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I
am not the Christ,’ but ‘I have been sent before Him.’
He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend
of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices
greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore
this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must
decrease” (John 3:27-30).
Jesus’ success had been given to Him from heaven. It
was and is God’s will that people follow Jesus. This
made John happy, not resentful! John had done his work
well, and now people were traveling on that road God
had sent him to prepare. The “best man” at a wedding
does not envy the groom, but rejoices in his friend’s
good fortune.
Even so, John rejoiced as people followed Jesus. He more
than willingly removed himself from the spotlight, giving
all glory to the Lord. What a marvelous example of selfless
humility!
God still wants people to follow Jesus. Christianity isn’t
about our popularity or fame. Even great men like the
apostles rejected veneration. “Was Paul crucified for you?
Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians
1:13).
Let us follow Jesus because it is God’s will, and let us
persuade others to do likewise!
Groveland, FL