A Dispute
A Dispute
25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”
John 3:25-26
John 3 is usually quoted for v.16, but there is much more than one verse. Starting at v.25 we see that there is an argument rising. When you look at it closely it seems to be between John’s followers and Jesus’ disciples, but it’s not. It’s between the Jews and John and Jesus is only used to try and get John to lose control and become a bad example to those around him.
This happens often within the church. Arguments arise and many times neither side realizes that the argument really isn’t about either one of them, but actually Satan using an opportunity to create discord and bad behavior in the church. Many times he wins.
John, however, doesn’t let himself to be swept up in the argument. Look at his response to the Jews.
27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’
John 3:27-28
Instead of getting his emotions or ego to control him, John humbly states his place. He knows that he isn’t the Christ. He knows that he isn’t the focus or important center. All he has is from God and he will follow His will.
If we were to follow John’s example, how many ugly scenes could be avoided within our churches. How many times could we avoid giving Satan a win within our own pews? John wasn’t the Christ but he truly was a real son of God.
John also says his famous words here.
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30
These words were not just meant for John, but they should be our words as well. Church is not a place for us to increase. It is not a place to gain power and authority. Church is a place where Christ should be increased. If we all looked at the church in this way, we could really make a home for God.
God bless,
Pr. Steven Couto