John the Baptist was an incredible individual, set apart from God since conception.
Zechariah – John’s Father – was told by Gabriel (an angel) to name the baby, “John” because his name means, “The Lord is gracious.”
In John 3 we see that John is filled with joy at Jesus’ success – remember that John has spent time before Jesus’ arrival reminding God’s people, that he wasn’t the Messiah, the King, nor the Bridegroom.
Can you imagine always having to remind people that we aren’t the ones to be worshipped – only God should be?
And, that is the whole point.
John’s ministry pointed others continuously to Jesus. As Jesus’ popularity increased, John’s decreased…as we show others the way to Christ, they must focus on God, and not us
Are we happy at the thought of continuously being the Best-man? Or deep-down do we desire to be the One marrying the Bride?
John the Baptist’s joy came from preparing others for Jesus’ arrival. He made a way for people’s hearts to be ready. He sowed the seeds of faith in others, but more importantly, He spoke about the grace of God, and the importance of repentance – he was the forerunner of Jesus.
John’s reward?
Jesus spoke that there was no one greater, who has ever lived than John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11)
Yet, the very next sentence, Jesus puts things into perspective and states that even the least person in Heaven, is far greater than John.
Jesus reminds us why He is the Bridegroom, because while the earthly rewards might seem tempting, it is the Eternal ones in Heaven, that we always need to be focused on
“It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success.” John 3:29
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