THE SPOTLIGHT

John 3:22-30
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

John the Baptist Exalts Jesus

22 Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people.

23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. 24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.) 25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”

27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 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.


It is not easy to give up the spotlight. When you have been on top, out front, in the lead, it is difficult to step back and allow someone new on the scene to get all the attention.

John the Baptist is a great example for us when we face a challenge like this in our lives. He knew his role was to “… prepare the way…”. When the Messiah came, his role had been fulfilled. He continued to point others to Jesus but willingly stepped into a lesser role.

Our situation may not have the clarity that John the Baptist enjoyed. We may struggle with when the right time is to step aside. Too often we see situations in ministry, in work, in sports, where someone holds on too long. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and be obedient to His prompting.

If your role is the one that is emerging, pray for the one who must give up the reigns. It is not easy to give up the spotlight. Pray for them to have John the Baptist wisdom.