Sunday: Humility of Soul: John the Baptist Testifies Again
Daily Lesson for Sunday 3rd of November 2024
Lesson 2 described how the witness of John the Baptist brought the first disciples—Andrew and John, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael—to Jesus. One would expect that the Baptist, having given his witness, would move off the scene. But he reappears several times in the Gospel of John.
Read John 3:25-36. How does John the Baptist compare himself to Jesus?
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A dispute arose between John the Baptist’s disciples and an unnamed Jew about purification, likely a question over the efficacy of baptism (compare with Mark 1:4-5). Interestingly, when his disciples come to John, no doubt to resolve the question, they bring up Jesus, saying, “ ‘He is baptizing, and all are going to him’ ” (John 3:26, ESV). It is not hard to read between the lines: they are jealous of Jesus—jealous for their master and jealous for themselves, as well.
It would be all too easy for John to indulge in the jealousy, but he does not because he knows what his mission is. Instead, he reminds his disciples that he never claimed to be the Christ. On the contrary: he came to point toward Him, to prepare the way for Him, to be a witness about Him (John 1:6-8).
Using the illustration of a wedding, he calls himself the friend of the bridegroom, with Jesus as the bridegroom. The bride would be the people of God (compare with Hosea 2:16-23 and Isaiah 62:1-5). Then, in words that show John’s true greatness, he says, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
John 3:31-36 continues the comparison between Jesus and John, showing the superiority of the Messiah over His forerunner. With John’s testimony pointing toward Jesus, the idea of witness is again emphasized. Those who receive that testimony and believe in Jesus have eternal life. Those who do not receive Him remain under the wrath of God. That’s what the text says. God loves the world and sent His Son to redeem the world (John 3:16-17). But those who refuse the gift offered them will have to pay the penalty for their own sins—eternal death.
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How can we learn the lesson of humility before both God and humanity? What can we learn from the example of John here about humility of the soul? |
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To find an answer to the question: 'How can we learn the lesson of humility before God and humanity' is important for all Christians to ponder. It certainly is a true saying that 'haughtiness comes before the fall’. Understanding in the Spirit's Light where one came from and where one is going now, is the beginning to finding good answers.
Maybe one might consider that they were ‘not all that bad’ in their life before they accepted Jesus as their Lord. Or, one might consider themselves ‘too bad’ to be accepted by the Lord. Both examples span the length of possible scenarios in which man judges himself; but he has no authority to do so! It would be better instead to ‘humble himself’ and allow God to lift him/her up 'wherever/however/whatever' their state at that moment in time.
'Humility' is an exercise by one's 'self' to recognize that 'it' is nothing without the Grace and Mercy of our heavenly Father and accepting this to be true. Only Jesus Christ, represented through/in/by His Spirit of Truth and Light in the believer, provides the correct perspective to define one's 'self'. This, by 'God's Grace', leads to acknowledge that 'without Him we are nothing' - we have no substance, no presence – nothing! Therefore, the believer's acknowledgement in life is that: “He must increase, but I must decrease” – John 3:30.
We need this kind of humility.John understood his role in preparing the way for Christ and therefore needed not to compete with Him in the ministry.
Humility does not come easy to most of us. Even when we claim to be humble we like to think that we are more humble than anyone else! We live in a world where there is often a mad scramble to be at the top of the pile.
John knew what his mission was, but his disciples were perhaps more focused on him than on his mission. John took the opportunity to point them to Jesus as the reason for his mission.
I like the way the story is told:
In our own witness are we more concerned about how we look, or who we are pointing to?
This is a hard question to answer, mainly because the root word for humility is "humble". We must humble ourselves in order to show true humility.
John the Baptist was a great example of humility, when he realized that Jesus was entering into His official earthly ministry. He said, "He must increase, and I must decrease." It was a humbling experience, especially in light of the popularity of John the Baptist among the people of that time. I remember, from Matthew's accounts, that John the Baptist was so popular that he was respected even by Herod. So, to say "and I must decrease", is a humbling and sobbing thing to do.
But as our authors said in our lesson today: "...he knows what his mission is [was]. Instead, he reminds his disciples that he never claimed to be the Christ. On the contrary: he came to point toward Him, to prepare the way for Him, to be a witness about Him (John 1:6-8)."
Let us be as humble as John the Baptist.
Now I read about the humility and John preparing way for jesus and his very own former members jealous about what jesus did perform, John stood firm and patiently and pronounced Jesus is the Lamb.
Love God first and foremost; obey his command for a purpose here on earth. To be humble before God; fear God only; always speak the truth. The Word of God is a 4 edge sword which is True, Living; Loving. To please God; honour his Holy Name & not humans.
How did John the Baptist get a New Understanding of the Messiah?
John the Baptist's understanding of the Messiah evolved through his deep spiritual preparation and his role as a forerunner to Jesus.
He was filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth, and the angel Gabriel foretold his mission to his parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth.
John's ministry focused on preaching repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan River, preparing for the coming Messiah.
When Jesus began His ministry, John witnessed the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove, and he heard God's voice affirming Jesus as His beloved Son3
This divine confirmation deepened John's understanding and led him to publicly declare Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
John's evolving understanding highlights the importance of spiritual readiness and openness to God's guidance. How do you think John's experience can inspire your own spiritual journey?
The fact that God calls someone for a specific mission does not guarantee that the person will faithfully fulfill it. This is evident in the lives of Jeroboam, Solomon, and Samson. In contrast, we see how John the Baptist was truly a great prophet. It’s likely that Satan tried to use John’s disciples to tempt him into becoming jealous of Jesus, which could have complicated Christ's ministry. However, praise God that John knew his identity and the purpose of his mission, choosing to faithfully carry it out, even unto death.
Humility and meekness are two of the highest virtues. Jesus described Himself as such. I don't know any other human being who can described themselves as this except the perfect Son of God. We are innately selfish and puffed up and this heavenly quality is rare on earth - but we SHALL be like Him if we behold Him alway!
True to his mission, John preached repentance from sin and baptized with water. Drawing a large following and making disciples. John successfully prepared the way of the Lord and when the "bridegroom" appeared John yielded and let the bridegroom betroth His bride. John could not have been any more humble than to recognize that heaven would say of him "well done good servant".
Humility is a great virtue since it helps us to view ourselves as mortal sinners who have nothing. We can only be saved through the merits of Christ and him crucified alone.
John the Baptist was a herald of Christ. His message was simple: “He must increase, but I must decrease”. He doesn’t fade off the scene after pointing people to Christ. His testimony brought Andrew, John, Peter, Philip, & Nathanael to Jesus. He reiterated that He wasn’t the Christ (the bridegroom) but a friend to Him. His people are the bride (John 3:25-36; Mark 1:4, 5, Hos. 2:16-33, Isa. 62:1-5). John highly exalted Christ.