Week Fifty - No One is Greater

Believe it or not, these were the words of Jesus as He spoke of John the Baptist in Matthew 11:11, "Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist." That's quite an accolade, isn't it?

John was not a statesman, a ruler, or a wealthy man. He lived in the desert, wore ragged clothing, and ate insects, but Jesus put him on a pedestal. 

The priests and Levites kept asking him to identify himself, wanting to know his title and suggesting who they thought he might be, but he left them confused.

Those who figured out who he was began following him. Then, the crowd following John became the crowd that followed Jesus, and this caused some distress. John's disciples wanted to protect his number, platform, reputation, and ministry. So they tried to make much of him. But John would not let others attribute qualities to him that solely belonged to Christ. He humbly knew his identity and place, saying he was only a messenger and not worthy to undo Jesus' sandals. 

We can learn much from John. "Before honor is humility," the Bible says. Yet, we are afraid of humility and too often seek honor first. Another problem we sometimes face is that we define ourselves by our roles or job description instead of who we are in Christ - a called-out child of God. We fail to see that our identity in Christ is more valuable than any role.

John knew his role was a heavenly calling. He had done nothing to deserve it, but he obediently completed it. If we are looking for a role whereby we may advance ourselves, we are looking in the wrong direction. God gives the increase in all things. We should set our eyes on living as a child of God, fulfilling His commands, and letting everything else fall into God's ordained place.

We are called to cultivate godly character more than to fulfill specific tasks and activities. But we get so side-tracked looking at the things we accomplish more than the heart from which we do them that we fail to understand that virtue is more precious than accomplishments.

And we fail to recognize the freedom and variety given by God in how we each serve. While we are busy trying to copycat others, we miss out on what God wants to do in us individually. 

John was a prophet like no other, known personally and acclaimed publically by the Lord Jesus. No one would ever be like him again. And that is fine. Do you understand that there is no one like you, as well? No one can do the things God has called you to do. He has given you a specific role and ministry. Your job, like John's, is to obey and follow Christ as you fulfill that ministry. 

So the next time you catch yourself trying to replicate someone else or think your efforts are going unnoticed, go back to your calling - your place and fulfill it as unto Christ. That's what makes a great follower of Jesus.

Adapted from How to Thrive as a Pastor's Wife by Christine Hoover