Getting Real with God

Read John 3:22-36

"He must become greater; I must become less" John 3:30

Muhammad Ali was arguably the greatest boxer of all time. And when he said it you didn’t argue! In fact he was just as famous for that boast as for his boxing achievements. In the latter part of John 3 we eavesdrop on a squabble and a teaching moment . The green-eyed monster of envy has slithered into the John camp. John’s disciples are jealous that Jesus is winning more disciples than John. They want to be on Team Greatest. Later Jesus’ disciples James and John would suffer from the same greatness delusion.

John however, has the perfect perspective. He was the lesser servant only ever meant to announce the arrival of the king. John could see how more and more he would step back into the shadows as Jesus took his rightful place in the spotlight. It is a privilege to point to Jesus.

John rightly understood the wedding analogy that Jesus himself would later draw on (and which is the focus of Revelation). John understood Jesus was the bridegroom and John was the guest. John was very thankful to have a seat at the banquet even if it was at the back near the kitchen, behind a pillar with the band.

Humility and servanthood is the way of discipleship. It was actually the way of Jesus himself who washed feet and touched the unclean. And yet humility and servanthood doesn’t always sit well with us. We crave attention, affirmation and recognition. “I deserve to be seen!”. As we allow Jesus to be seen most as the rightful centre stage and we are happy to stand off stage, we will have the truest perspective of the gospel and greatness… and that it is enough to stand with Jesus and stand in grace.

How do feel when others receive glory despite your sacrificial hard work?

RevGeoff