MUSTARD SEED THOUGHTS #17

There was a time when the disciples of Jesus argued with the disciples of John about who was greater . At that time John played a prominent role in the news of that day as he started his ministry with a big bang. He was the famous evangelist/prophet who had come to town. The people flocked to see him. He was an ‘into-your-face’ kind of preacher and was not afraid to offend the religious leaders of the day. He dressed differently from the rest and probably spoke with charisma and authority. By today’s standards he is ‘the man of the hour’; the charismatic, popular preacher whom believers want to hear. He’s the man!

However there was a competition going on. Jesus, the new kid on the block was baptizing on the other side of the river. He had started a ministry in another part of town and had moved into John’s turf. They said, “ The one you authorized with your witness? Well, he is now competing with us. He is baptizing too and everyone’s going to him instead “ (Jn 3:25-26) Jesus stole the limelight from John. People were going to His church, the happening church in town. John was losing popularity. At this stage most leaders would be insecure and would say or do something to discredit the rising personality. Not John!

We can learn from John about his attitude and perspective. He was secure. His famous catchword was “ Let him increase and let me decrease.” How many of us can say that when we are losing our hold on people or things? John acknowledged the following in his reply to his disciples concerning the threat that they were facing with the impending ‘take over’.
First he believed in the SOURCE of all things: God. His immediate and big picture response was “ It is not possible for a person to succeed without heaven’s help. “ (Jn 3:27) In other words, if there was a success with anyone , it must have been God. Therefore John would not feel sidelined because the success had come from God. When we see someone becoming more successful than us, what do we usually say or feel? Do we rejoice?

Secondly, he believed in the SCHEME of things. God has a purpose and timing for everyone. In the eternal plan of God we each have a role to play; including promoting others to become successful. John’s answer was ‘ I am simply the one sent ahead of Him to get things ready’. (Jn 3:28) In other words, ‘It is not about me….’. In our egoistic self, we want to be No.1, to be recognized, to be acknowledged, to be known, to be famous etc…When someone is preferred, how do we react?

Thirdly, John understood the times and SEASONs. He added ‘ this is the moment for Him to move into the center..while I slip into the sidelines’. (Jn 3:29) There is a moment for everyone. When our time has come, we will gain the favor of God. We do not need to fight or clamor for it.
Finally, the coming of Jesus had a SPECIFIC PURPOSE. ‘He (Jesus) sets out the evidence of what he saw and heard in heaven’ (Jn 3:31) Jesus’ coming into the scene had an eternal purpose. John knew this purpose and he would not stand in the way to thwart this because of his own insecurities. Instead he would help facilitate this purpose even if it meant that he had to give way. It was not about his agenda but God’s agenda as salvation was coming to man. It was a bigger purpose than his personal interests.

In our dealings with people, how do we fit in the overall of things? Do we see God’s will, purpose or hand? Will we want our way and fight for what is ours and due to us? Can we be like John to put others above us and say- “ Let them increase and let me decrease” ?