22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea; and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. 23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there; and people were coming and being baptized— 24 for John had not yet been thrown into prison.
25 Then a matter of dispute developed on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him.” 27 John replied, “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
Observations
John’s disciples with a Jew about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him.” 27 John replied, “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven.
John’s Focus – Man craves popularity, approval, attention and affirmation. John’s disciples are no different. But notice how John responds to them. John responds first by reminding his disciples that they do not win disciples. All of the followers they receive are given to them by heaven (God the Father). This perspective freed John from bitterness, resentment and competition with Jesus’ disciples. John understood that Jesus’ success came from the Father. And everything that God allows is wise and works in accordance with His plans.
Paul’s words to the Corinthians, “[We are] only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1Cor3:5-8). The disciples were simply servants. The Father Himself sent converts to John the baptist, Jesus and their disciples.
28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
John knew his purpose – John reminds his disciples that his purpose was to prepare Israel for the coming of the Messiah. Once Jesus began his ministry, John’s main task was accomplished. John understood his role and was faithful in completing it.
John says that he is the friend of the bridegroom. In Jewish weddings the ‘friend of the bridegroom’ was the shoshben. The shoshben was similar to a “best man” in our weddings, and had specific responsibilities at a Jewish wedding. The shoshben’s tasks were making the arrangments for the wedding, handling messages between the bride and groom, sending out invitations and presiding over the wedding feast. But his most important task was guarding the bridal chamber, listening for the groom’s voice and unlocking the chamber only when he was certain the groom had arrived. The shoshben’s duties came to an end once the groom and bride were brought together in the bridal chamber.
John knew his purpose was to bring Israel (bride) and Jesus (bridegroom) together. John knew he had completed his task and he humbly and joyfully faded into the background. He knew that he must become less and Jesus must take center stage.
Application
1.) Our true purpose – It is rare to find someone who clearly knows their purpose, is content, and humble as well. Scripture says “everything comes from Him and exists by His power, and is for His glory” (Romans 11:36). Therefore we are to glorify Him and to know Him. That is our main purpose. If there is no one greater, no one more worthy of being worshiped and known, then our purpose should be seeking God and glorifying Him. How many of us take this purpose seriously?
2.) Glorifying God – If our purpose is to glorify God, we must first know Him. How do we get to know God? We learn about God and what He desires for us through praying, studying the Word, meditating on the Word and practicing being still and listening. If we say we love our family but never spend time with them, do we really love them? If our actions do not support our words, then our words are empty. If we say we love God but never read His word, never pray, never talk to Him….then do we really love Him? Is it possible to love someone without spending time with them?
How do we glorify God? We glorify Him when we desire what He desires, when we value what He values, when we place our trust in Him, when we obey His commands. If we are not reading the bible, if we are not praying, if we are not in communication with God, if we are not growing in love, how can we possibly say that we know Him? And finally how can we glorify someone we do not know?
3.) Using our gifts to glorify God – Furthermore, God has given each of us specific talents, gifts, and temperaments. We glorify God most when we use the gifts He’s given us, when we love others well, when we believe in Him, and when we obey His commands. Contentment comes when we are focused on glorifying Him and knowing Him. He alone provides contentment. This things of this world cannot provide ultimate satisfaction.
So what is your focus? Career? Vacations? Children? Retirement? Money? All these things can be good things, but if any of them take top priority in our lives, God considers it idolatry. We must remember that we are in a spiritual battle (Eph 6:12). Satan would like nothing more than to use the good things in this world to tear you away from God . “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” John 10:10. Be on guard.
4.) Importance of Humility – Thankfully, John knew his purpose, that he was just a messenger. In humility, John was able to step aside as Christ began His ministry. How is your humility quotient? Take a moment to prayerfully consider the hallmarks of a humble person (below).
- They are good listeners
- They are curious and not afraid to ask questions
- They are not afraid of being wrong
- They are grateful
- They say thank you a lot
- They welcome help and criticism
- They give praise and compliments to others
- They ask for forgiveness
5.) Christ centered focus – John was wise in reminding his disciples to point others to Jesus, not to ourselves. The temptation to gain notoriety and accolades can circumvent our priorities and our purpose. We need to be on guard, knowing that Satan would like nothing more than for you to take your eyes off Jesus and place the focus on yourself.
Where is your focus? Are you more concerned about what others think of you rather than what God thinks? Are you driven by the approval of others rather than what God’s approval? Take a moment to ask God to show you where your priorities need to be adjusted. Then study the scriptures, listen and watch for His leading.