Someone Greater

 JOHN THE BAPTIST, SOMEONE GREATER

Read: Luke 1.57-80

In spite of what we might like to believe, we don't always get to be the centre of attention. There are plenty of times when we have to take a step back and playa supporting role instead of the main role. We experience this often, sometimes in obvious ways, like being audience members at theatrical performances or fans at sporting events. But this also happens in more subtle ways. If you've ever been in a play, you know that it's not always your turn to speak or be on stage. In the same way, if you play sports, you know that you're not always the one to score the goal. We don't always get the spotlight.

 The character we meet today teaches us a great deal about how to play a supporting role. God chose John the Baptist to play a part in His great story of redemption, but John knew that his role was to point to Someone greater than himself.

Meet John

Luke's Gospel, like all the Gospels, is about Jesus Christ. But instead of beginning the story with Jesus's birth, Luke first tells us of the birth of another baby boy: Jesus's cousin, whose name is John.

Everything about John prepares us for and points us to Jesus. As we've already read this week, the angel Gabriel foretells John's birth to his father, Zechariah. The same angel, as wwe'll see next week, tells Jesus's parents of His coming birth. Additionally, Scripture tells us that John's parents are righteous and faithful to God, as are Jesus's parents. John's birth is miraculous, as his mother is old and seemingly unable to have children. But as we will see, Jesus's birth is even more miraculous, for His mother is a virgin. What's more, the Old Testament told of John's birth in Isaiah 40.3 and Malachi 3.1, just as it frequently foretold of Jesus's birth. And finally, when John grows up, his ministry prepares the way for Jesus's ministry to begin, for John was chosen and sent by God specifically to prepare the way for Jesus's coming.

John's father rejoices after his birth, singing that his son has been called to bring God's people “knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins” (Luke 1.77). But John is not the source of salvation, he only tells of the source. As the story progresses, Luke moves past the birth of John to the true focal point of the story: the birth of Jesus, which is what Advent and Christmas are all about.

 John himself, as an adult, says of Jesus,

"He is the one coming after me, whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to untie" (John 1.27). 

When the time comes for Jesus to take the stage and spotlight, John willingly and excitedly steps aside. His purpose is given to him before he is even born. He is to point us all to Jesus Christ, and he does so with joy and humility.

What Does This Mean for Me?

We can learn a lot from John about what it looks like to trust God. Just like John, we each have to face the fact that we're not the center of God's story, Jesus is. But just like John, we've each been given a significant role to play. God, in His kindness and love, has seen us all and invited us into His story.

Following John's example, we also can prepare the hearts of those around us to receive the message of Jesus, who has come to earth to offer salvation and forgiveness of sins. Trusting God means seeing His plan of redemption and believing that it's truly greater than the plans we have for ourselves. It means recognizing that we can boast in nothing except the Lord (1 Corinthians 1.31, 2 Corinthians 12.9-10).

Like John, we're also invited to joyfully and humbly point others to Jesus. For some of you, this might be a relief. You might not enjoy being the center of attention and would rather sit on the sidelines. However, there's a challenge here for you, too, Jesus is the center of the story, but you are still given a part to play. Pray for the boldness to step into the role God has given you.

For others, you might enjoy the spotlight and find the idea of playing a supporting role disappointing. For you, the challenge is to acknowledge Christ for who He is, the true star of the show. But there's also encouragement. The world is broken and hurting, but you're not responsible for its healing and restoration. Rather, Jesus is.

Trusting God means recognizing that He is God and you aren't. Trusting God also gives you the opportunity to joyfully play the unique role He has called you to as part of His plan. You get to play a part in the restoration of the world through pointing those around you to Jesus, the Saviour of the world.

Application Questions

Do you enjoy being the center of attention, or would you rather be on the sidelines? 

How does the call to partnerwith Jesus in a supporting role challenge or encourage you?

In what practical ways can you point those around you to Jesus?

Pray and thank God that you are not the main character in His story and ask Him to reveal to you what specific part He has for you to play today.