John The Baptist's Example

A wonderful example of delighting in our weakness found in Scripture is John the Baptist. John 1:6-9 states, “There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”

So, John the Baptist wasn't the light, but he was there to point people to the light. He wasn't the main character; he was just an extra. He was not the message, but he was just delivering the message. Yet, John was beginning to grow in influence and authority. He had started to become popular with the people, so much so that the religious leaders of the time began to question him.

In verses 19-23, we read, “Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, 'I am not the Messiah.' They asked him, 'Then who are you? Are you Elijah?' He said, 'I am not.' 'Are you the Prophet?' He answered, 'No.' Finally they said, 'Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?' John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, 'I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

John didn't prop himself up or draw any attention to himself. He didn't even use his name when he was asked who he is. He understood that this didn't take away his influence or his impact, because what he was doing had significance. But in his weakness, God was working through him. John accepted and understood that God called him, not to make it about himself, but to draw attention to Jesus. John looked at his life through this lens: The more he understood his own dependence and the poorer in spirit he became, the greater the blessing, the more strength he received from God, and the more grace he experienced in his own life. 

Reflection/Discussion Question: In what ways can you put into practice being more like John the Baptist in his approach to how he viewed his role and significance?