John 3:22-36
John's response to his disciples was not in anger. In fact, you can hear the joy in his voice as he tries to explain and share the cause of his joy with them!
1) v. 27-He acknowledges his current position is a blessing from God.
2) v. 28-He reminds them of his, and also their, humble state...as in "do you think we are the only people who can do this job?"
3) v. 28,29-He states Who he is (not the Christ, but his friend)
He states who he belongs to (bridegroom)
He states his purpose (attend the bridegroom, wait and listen for him)
He describes what it reaps (joy!)
John's joy is complete by seeing Christ baptize! (v.29) Such a different attitude than his disciples, though both were doing the same thing in the same place at the same time. John's attitude was that Christ must become greater, and John must become less (v.30). His disciples' were the exact opposite.
But John doesn't stop there, he continues on with his message of salvation, hoping they will get it! Instead of getting angry, he took the time to teach, vision cast, and share the gospel.
Way to make the most of an opportunity.
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1 comment:
I am struck by the baptists complaints as well because they were upset that everyone was going to Jesus, and therefore NOT going to them. It's as if they were offended that the masses were no longer respecting the pedastle they felt that they were on. So many times we Christians, in being a part of something so special as the family of Christ, begin to think that that makes us special above and beyond those around us. This arrogance and aloofness causes us to both drive away people who are lost, and fail to reach out to them when the opportunity arises. Being a Christian (or a professional baptist :) ) doesn't elevate us on a pedastle above the masses, but rather it allows us to reach up to that pedastle that Jesus is on and take hold. Maybe it's not our job to look down on the lost, but rather to allow them to walk upon us as stairs. To allow the masses to walk upon us and help lift them up to the Lord.
Being a part of the family of God doesn't raise us above, but rather allows us the opportunity to lift others up with us.
I am really enjoying your blogged thoughts here. I'm happy that you seem to have landed in such a good place. I pray that everything is as good for you as it seems.
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