September 28th~Making Much of Him

John 3:1-4:45

Luke 3:19, 20

We were witnesses to three conversations. One conversation was between Jesus and a Pharisee named Nicodemus, another was between Jesus and a Samaritan woman, and the third one was between John the Baptist and his disciples. While these are three separate occasions, there is a connection between them.

First, let’s look into the discussion John had with his disciples (John 3:23-36). They were concerned, perhaps even a little jealous, that their followers were abandoning John to follow Jesus; but, John quickly dispelled their fears. “God in heaven appoints each person’s work. You yourselves know how plainly I told you that I am not the Messiah. I am here to prepare a way for him, that is all. The bride will go where the groom is. A groom’s friend rejoices with him. I am the groom’s friend, and I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. I am of the earth and my understanding is limited to the things of the earth...”

John could have been jealous of Jesus, scorned Him for taking his followers and overshadowing his ministry. Instead, John demonstrated true humility and contentment. He recognized who he was in light of who Jesus was; and, he recognized his God-given role to play, which was to introduce Jesus as the Messiah. That role was coming to an end. He did his part and now that Jesus was here, John faded into the background. It’s interesting that our passage today ended with John’s arrest and imprisonment. His ministry, as the forerunner of the Messiah, was over.

Why did John shine the light on Jesus instead of on himself? “He is sent by God, He speaks God’s words, and the Spirit of God is upon Him without measure” (3:34), which leads us to the other conversations. When talking with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, Jesus described the phenomenon of salvation. He told Nicodemus salvation was like being “born again” (3:3). “Humans can reproduce human life,” He said, “but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven” (3:6). He told the Samaritan woman salvation was like “living water, which takes away thirst. It becomes a perpetual spring within you, giving you eternal life” (4:14).

Daily Reflection

Jesus is able to give you and others salvation, new life on the inside. As the people of Sychar said, “He is, indeed, the Savior of the world” (4:42). Your role, then, as one of His followers, is like John’s ministry, to point others to Him, to “bring in the harvest, which is people brought to eternal life” (4:35-38).

Have you come to the realization that God has placed you where you are to tell others about Him, that they too may be “born again”? Are you looking for those people, those opportunities, or are you too busy with your own life? List the people to whom you are actively witnessing.

The problem is, so many times we get in the way. We make too much of ourselves and not enough about Him. What is the solution? What advice would John the Baptist give you?

BiAY.org | Day 271 — 94 Days to Go