It’s not about me
by Ruth Olsen
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He must become greater; I must become less (John 3:30).
The setting for today’s reading is in the Judean countryside, not far from where John the Baptist was baptising people coming to him. Some of John’s disciples were concerned that there was some competition happening by ‘the one’ that John had testified about (in John 1:29–34), although it was not Jesus doing the baptising, his disciples were (John 4:1–2).
Can you identify with John’s disciples? And are you surprised by John’s response, so different from what you might have expected? ‘It’s not about me’, John declares. John knows and lets it be known that he is not the Christ or Messiah. Instead, his assignment is to prepare the way for the Messiah, like the friend who helps the bridegroom. It has been revealed to John who Jesus really is, and John is content, and full of joy at what is unfolding. John realises he has nearly completed his job. It’s now time for Jesus to be the focus and for John to ‘become less’.
What’s it like for you when acknowledgement goes to someone else, and when it seems like you are left in the background, forgotten and overlooked? That can be painful until you recognise that God is working a bigger picture. Listening for the Lord’s voice helps us walk in his peace and acknowledge the One who gives real peace. Coming to realise ‘it’s not about me’ can be a major breakthrough!
John recognised the presence of God in Jesus, yet, although God sent Jesus, so many do not accept his testimony. We are responsible for our choices. But whoever believes in the Son has eternal life – now.
Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief! Amen.
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