SCRIPTURE:
“There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.”
John 1:6-8
OBSERVATION:
John’s whole ministry was centered around pointing everyone to Jesus. He was not the light, instead he was to tell everyone about the light – Jesus.
APPLICATION:
So many people want the spotlight. John was the ultimate servant. At so many points he could have stolen the spotlight for himself, but he understood what his role was:
“Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” – John 1:19-20
He exemplified servant leadership and stayed true to his assignment when his own disciples and followers began to follow Jesus:
“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.” – John 1:35-37
It’s not written in the text, but one would think that John’s disciples would have some kind of conversation with him, perhaps about leaving to follow Jesus. Yet we see them go with no hesitation, leaving me to realize that John was teaching them all along – You are to follow Jesus, not me.
In our humanness, it’s easy to get caught up in thinking that we are the light and that people should be following us. When in reality, as John was, we are only witnesses to the light. Our assignments remain the same as his – point people to Jesus.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have made this all about me. Thank You Lord for the calling You have placed on my life and the work You have given me to do on this earth. May I always remember that I am a witness of Your light and I am to point people to You, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
