What can we learn from John's disciples' concern about Jesus' growing influence? Setting the Scene “Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan and to Whom you testified—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.” (John 3:26) What Troubled John’s Disciples? • They saw numbers shifting from John to Jesus and felt protective of their teacher’s ministry. • Their words imply a subtle comparison: “everyone is going to Him.” • Beneath the concern lay fear of losing influence and prominence. Heart Issues Exposed • Envy—wanting success to stay with “our” group (cf. James 3:14–16). • Possessiveness—treating ministry as personal property rather than God’s. • Shortsightedness—missing the larger redemptive plan unfolding through Christ. John’s Model Response (John 3:27-30) • Recognition of God’s sovereignty: “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.” • Clear identity: John is “friend of the bridegroom,” not the bridegroom. • Joy in Jesus’ prominence: “The joy of mine is now complete.” • Humility’s motto: “He must increase; I must decrease.” Lessons for Today • Celebrate every advance of the gospel, even if it happens through others (Philippians 1:15-18). • Measure success by faithfulness, not crowd size (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Guard against comparison; gifts and callings differ by God’s design (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Keep Christ central—ministries are temporary; His glory is eternal. Practical Ways to Guard Our Hearts 1. Regularly thank God for any gospel fruit, whether through us or another servant. 2. Pray for neighboring churches and ministries, naming them before the Lord. 3. Speak well of fellow laborers; refuse gossip that pits workers against each other. 4. Revisit John 3:30 when recognition tempts the flesh. Anchoring Scriptures • 1 Corinthians 3:6-7—“I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” • Mark 9:38-40—Jesus corrects the disciples’ rivalry: “Whoever is not against us is for us.” • Romans 12:10—“Outdo one another in showing honor.” When concern over “who is getting the attention” arises, John’s reply points the way: rejoice that Christ’s fame is spreading, and let self fade into the background so the Bridegroom alone is seen and praised. |
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