"Best Man" May 18 Readings: 1 Kings 1-2, John 3:16–36, Psalm 64:1–4, Proverbs 13:9-10

Today's Readings - 1 Kings 1-2, John 3:16–36, Psalm 64:1–4, Proverbs 13:9-10

Devotional 

The Best Man is never meant to be the center of attention or the star of the show. He simply attends to the Groom and helps him. John the Baptist was Jesus' Best Man. Look at John 3:29

The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 

There was no man better than John the Baptist, who lived his life to pave the way for the Savior. It was not his dress or his diet that made him unique, but his humility. John 3:22-30 describes a unique and godly episode that defines the unique character of the man.

John was immensely popular. People were coming from all over Israel to hear him and to be baptized by him. John's name was on the lips of Israelites everywhere.

Then, suddenly, this man Jesus came out of nowhere to be baptized by him. He disappeared for 40 days into the wilderness to be tempted, then returned in the power of the Spirit to preach the gospel of the kingdom and do amazing miracles. Disciples of John the Baptist left him and followed after Jesus whose ministry was on the rise as John's popularity waned.

Think about how most people would respond to such a thing. Jealousy. Rivalry. Anger. Perhaps rumors and slander. They would not respond as John the Baptist did.

“A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:27-30

He realized that his status had been given to him by God and that his role was to be the groom's friend. He was here to announce the coming of Christ and he knew his place and his purpose. Then he spoke these insightful words.

He must increase, but I must decrease.

For John, it was literal. Jesus' popularity and scope of ministry were going to increase and John would fade into the background. John knew that was how things were meant to be and embraced it. 

John's challenge is also our challenge. In a sense, we are all John the Baptists. We go into a lost world to "prepare the way for the Lord." Our goal always is to make Jesus famous and to point the way to him. As we walk in this world, Jesus must increase and we must decrease. 

Father, use me to increase the knowledge of your Son, Jesus. May my selfishness and arrogance decrease. as you increase in me. 

Think and Pray

Have you experienced the New Birth spoken of in John 3:16? Too many people approach Christianity as simply a means of self-improvement, trying to become a "better me." That is a path to failure. You must be born again, born from heaven by the grace of God when you trust Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. If you have not experienced this new, heavenly birth, turn to Christ today.

For those who are in Christ, examine your life and heart. Is your life about Jesus or about you? John knew that he existed to serve the Savior and that "he must increase."

Is Jesus becoming more and more the dominant force in your life daily?