John 3:30 HE > I
John 3:22-36 talks about the story of John the Baptist exalting Jesus Christ. In this setting, both John and Jesus are now baptizing people - in water and in Spirit respectively. John already witnessed about Jesus when he said that He is the Son of God (John 1:34). Despite that, John's disciples seemed like they were still clueless about what that means. They told John that more people are going to Jesus for baptism. This happened after their dispute with a Jew over purification (v. 25). We do not know what the discussion was about, but perhaps John knew what was going on their minds.
“‘Rabbi, He who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness - look, he is baptizing, and all are going to Him.”
There must be a deeper intention coming from that loaded statement. Could it be that John's disciples felt sorry for him because more people are now coming to Jesus? Well, John was the first to baptize in Jordan after all and many people look up to him as a prophet. Could it be that John's disciples felt ignored and neglected? It was very clear in verse 23 that there was plenty of water in their area. They must have chosen that place in purpose so that it will be convenient for the people to be baptized. But why do they still need to go to where Jesus is? Lastly, could it be that John's disciples felt jealous and envy?
“You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before Him.’ The one who has the Bride is the Bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom. who stands and hears Him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.”
John's tone seemed like a rebuke to his disciples for he must have seen through their hearts. John had built a reputation for himself, not by his doing and neither for his glory, but because he was sent by God. And as avid followers, the disciples must have felt like they found a competition against Jesus. He practically came to do what their rabbi was called to do. Doesn't it make sense to feel such a way?
WHAT IS JEALOUSY AND ENVY?
Think about a photographer and a model. Excellent pictures were shot and taken for free. The model was ecstatic and she posted the pictures on Instagram. She got ten thousand likes and acquired more followers. She instantly became a famous influencer! But to the photographer's dismay, there was no credits to his business page and worst of all, his watermark was cropped out of the picture. He got no followers, no new clientele. What would you feel if you were the photographer?
What will you do if you were not given the right credits for something you worked so hard for?
What would you feel if someone stole the limelight from you?
How will you react if you have been in a company for more than 10 years, but a new hire of less than one year got the promotion who have been aiming for?
Would you be happy for someone you helped in the past who is now richer and more successful than you?
How do you deal with jealousy and envy when they creep in to your heart?
Jealously and envy are poisons that cripple your heart to be thankful for the things that you have. They make you prideful and self-centered. They make you forget everything that is good. They make you see only the worst in other people. They make you bitter and unhappy. And as they say, with it there is no remedy.
WHAT TO DO WHEN ENVY AND JEALOUSY CREEPS IN
BE LIKE JOHN THE BAPTIST!
“HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE”
- He did not take offense against Jesus because he knows who He is (v. 28)
- He understood that position does not precede purpose. Jesus' ministry is more important than his
- He considered himself as Jesus' friend, not enemy (v. 29)
- He was happy that the prophecies about Jesus are now coming to pass
- He did not look at himself as higher and he remained humble (v. 30)
- He acknowledged Jesus' authority and preeminence (v. 31)
- He pointed everything back to Jesus (v. 36)
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ”
PRAYER
Father God, we bow ourselves to Your throne. We acknowledge that we are nothing apart from you and that everything we have belongs to you. When people hurt us because of envy, please give us the hearts to understand their situation rather than trying to put up a fight. And when we are the ones who are jealous and envious of others, we humbly ask that You please take it away from our hearts. Holy Spirit, help us and transform us to become grateful peacemakers. Everything that we need, everything that could satisfy can only be found in You. May we always choose to glorify you rather than ourselves. May Your Name be lifted high as we continue to exalt and humble ourselves before You. All glory and honor belongs to You God! Amen!