One of the Greatest Men Who Has Ever Lived
Today’s Reading: John 3:22-36
John Testifies Again About Jesus
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean country- side, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some
of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bride- groom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Who- ever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
There’s a reason John the Baptist is one of the greatest men who ever lived: He had a specific role to play, and that role was to point people to Jesus.
And he did it perfectly.
In his day, John was a sensation in Judea. But, when his purpose was fulfilled, he graciously moved back and let Jesus take center stage.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
— John the Baptist [John 3:30]
Today, how can you be as excellent in your role as John, and at the same time be as humble?
