You Before Me—Scripture Reflection #023
John 3:28-30 (New Living Translation)
28 “You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for Him.’ 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at His success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
This is such a mature response from John the Baptist when his disciples were worried about the success of his ministry. Instead of growing jealous of the attention Jesus was receiving and trying to hold on to his position or success, John humbly accepts his role in God’s plan and steps aside for Jesus. John is later exalted by Jesus as the greatest to ever live (Luke 7:28).
I believe we can follow John’s example in our own lives this day; we can adopt this “you before me” attitude. Whether in our families, at work, on a team, or in any other capacity, we can humbly step aside and look to the interests of others before our own. In this way, we are accomplishing God’s will and living out the love of God in our lives.
The Question: In what areas of your life can you be like John and put the interests of others before your own?
