John 3:22-36.
So why were John the Baptist's and Jesus' disciples baptizing in the same area? Because there was much water there! Ha! I love the simplicity there. But the story is also very sobering, and I wonder if you will feel the same conviction I do about this. John the Baptist's disciples begin arguing over ceremonial washing. It's a silly debate over religious rules and rituals. There's a slant of judgment behind the arguments. I believe we get like that too. Judging others and debating over silliness. And Pride is right there with us. Besides, we are always right, right? Jealousy just doesn't seem to bring unity, for some reason! I hope we are humbled by this picture in the story.
Now, let's look at John the Baptist for what I like to call "the right way" to respond. "I am not the Messiah." Maybe some of us need to say that out loud and listen to this truth. Maybe we get too concerned over our own reputation, flock of followers, and smell of success. Behind John's words is a spirit that is solid, stable, secure, humble, and wise. It is a character that has been built over time, as it has made a practice of continually returning to the right well for true validation. Friends, we must make a habit of going to the Father for our validation, self-esteem, identity, and purpose. Any other source we may run to is toxic and will eventually dry up and leave us for dead.
John the Baptist is perfectly in tune with who he is and why he exists. He realizes Jesus is to be lifted up and esteemed as God Almighty. J the B intentionally humbles himself as a simple, earthly creature, sent to point people to Christ. "He must increase, I must decrease." What powerful words that say so much. May we take on the same attitude and willingly allow Jesus to be increased in our lives, as we understand our position in the relationship. We were put here on Earth to bring Him glory. I pray I can get that through my head, as it is thick with my own pursuits, selfishness, and busyness. I have learned that pride runs even deeper than I can know or imagine. It propels me to live under my own strength until I run into a snag or get exhausted. It puts me in a dysfunctional position with Jesus.
I like the Joy Factor in this story. J the B has been waiting for this moment his whole life and now he finally sees it become a reality. He knows his purpose has been fulfilled. I believe we can have that same joy at the end of our race (and even during, for that matter). "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Tim. 4:7. There is true freedom and joy for the ones who will agree that Jesus is above all and deserving of our lives surrendered for His glory.
Chapter 3 wraps up with a nasty word-"wrath". Nobody likes to talk about that, eh? The interesting point is that we are practically born into this world already under God's wrath and condemnation. Jesus was very clear that He came not to condemn the world, but to save it. Remember John 3:16? So, life and light are graciously available to anyone who will believe in Jesus, the Son of God, as their Savior. But if anyone rejects the Son, God's wrath remains on him. That equates to no life. Thank you, Lord, for speaking Your truth, plainly through John so we may clearly understand salvation comes from You.
