Today’s passage: John 3:22-36
Helpful thoughts:
- As Jesus started “trending,” John the Baptist’s “numbers” were declining.
- This is exactly what was supposed to happen. John the Baptist had fulfilled his calling.
- If John the Baptist’s view of success had been garnering and maintaining the attention of masses of people, he would have considered himself a failure. Because his view of success was being obedient to God by pointing people to Jesus, he could look at people going to Jesus with great joy and satisfaction.
- The disciples of John the Baptist were thinking in an earthly way (As we all have), but Jesus is above all. His perspective is heavenly (It’s not limited as ours are). Everything belongs to Him. Everything He teaches is true. Through faith in Him alone we are given eternal life.
- Therefore, every Christian teacher on this earth should agree with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Questions to consider:
- Why was John the Baptist right to be excited to see people leaving him to follow Jesus? Why was this a “win” for him?
- In what ways could this passage be helpful in thinking about numbers in our churches today? What is the measure of our success in following Jesus and pointing others to Him?
- How does the characterization of “earthly” and “heavenly” set Christ apart from His creation? How should these descriptions result in right humility for us and worship of Jesus?