The Messiah must become more important. And I must become less important.

The Messiah must become more important. And I must become less important 

-John 3:30*

"I've taught this for two years now, and I'm just now realizing the weight of this passage." As I said that to my students this week in Bible class, they were surprised how a person could study the Gospel of John for two years, even teach it, and still gain more understanding of the significance of the truths found in the gospel.

John the Baptist was baptizing people in the Jordan River, preparing the way for Jesus. He was fulfilling his call, his role in the Kingdom of God. Some of his students came to him, worried that people were going to another man to be baptized. John the Baptist explained to them that his purpose was not to continue baptizing forever, but to serve a purpose in the Kingdom that would point others to the guy across the river, Jesus. He said, "I am only the person whom God sent ahead of him. I prepare the way on his behalf" (John 3:28).* Notice how John used the word "only" to describe his status. 

John the Baptist's humility and willingness to deny himself is not only amazing, but inspiring. He didn't want to steal the spotlight, but prepare the people to see the One in the spotlight. He understood his role in the Kingdom of God, a servant of the Most High, whose role was purposeful, but nevertheless a part of the process culminating in pointing people to know the Lord Jesus Christ.

Many days we forget to remember that we are like John the Baptist, people who have been given a task to point those around us to our Savior and King. We have purpose, we have cause to live in this life, and it's not to satisfy our desires or have everyone look at us for advice or direction. We don't believe our current task in life is without purpose. On the contrary, we work every day, serving and being a light so that our observers will look up and see the Almighty God for whom we work. I cannot give my students perfect advice as to how they should live or how to cope with situations brought on by the middle school stage of life, but my hope is to point to the One who can.

We can be representatives of God who is the Comforter and Provider of everything we need in this life. Our job in this world is similar to John the Baptist's when he prepared the way for Jesus. Our hope after reading and understanding more of John the Baptist's attitude during his service to the King should be to have humility and faith as he did, living this life in a way that serves God's purpose for us, meanwhile continually pointing to the One whom we serve. 

 *(All Scripture taken from http://www.easyenglish.info/bible-commentary/john-ma-lbw.htm)