A Word from John 3

Do you ever struggle with jealousy or with what I might describe as “a competitive spirit”? If so, I can understand why! After all, the world often operates on a system that tries to make us “rate ourselves” in comparison to others. We’re basically encouraged to evaluate who matters on the basis of how much we have, or how much we’ve achieved, or how far our influence extends. But as you might’ve experienced, we can run ourselves ragged trying to keep up with others in that never-ending race. And the harder we try, the more likely it is that we’ll create barriers between ourselves and the very people whom God has called us to love.

But thankfully, in today’s word from John 3, we find a different way. Some followers of John the Baptist came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River—the one you identified as the Messiah—is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.” (3:26)

But instead of responding in a fit of jealousy and strategizing how to increase his public profile, John says this: “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater, and I must become less.” (3:27-30)

You see, if we’re on board with the spirit of Christ, then our goal isn’t to build up our own life by coming out on top of others. It’s to receive God’s life by being a servant of others—and specifically, serving them by showing them the character of Jesus.

So today, may Christ become greater in you! And may knowing how much God has given you in Jesus free you and give you peace. Amen.