Advent: Time for the BEST (4 of 5)

Advent: Time for the B.E.S.T

S: Servant

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, 

and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

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 So far we have seen that John the Baptist was Bold, and we have explored how he was also Enlightened, now let's see the Servant in John the Baptist.

Given John's background one might think that he would lead an illustrious life. That he would be making great profits from his wisdom and insight. He should have started a business so he could be raking in the dough. We know none of this is true, because financial success and worldly glory were not goals of John the Baptist.

John's earthly goal is revealed in Matthew 3:1-2, "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'"

We have already explored the fact that many wanted to hear this message. Many sought out John and listened to his message, but John wasn't swayed by the attention. He didn't get entranced by the idea of so many seeking his words. 

John the Baptist stayed humble and focused on his message and on his purpose.

 

Matthew 3:11, "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Because John had been filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, John even recognized Jesus when he came to be baptized. John showed his servant attitude even in this moment. 

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?'

Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented." Matthew 3:13-15

So, John has many people seeking him out for repentance; he has baptized Jesus himself! Time to retire, arrange speaking engagements, and sign that book deal! He is set for life. Ah, but remember, John didn't have that worldly view.

Jesus begins baptizing, and some of the followers of John are concerned as if it were a competition. "Then [John's disciples] came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan--the one you testified about--look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.'

To this John replied, 'A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.'" John 3:26-30.

John the Baptist shows us that we can be Bold for the Lord and Enlightened by the Spirit 

and still have the heart of a Servant. 

"He must become greater; I must become less."

God, thank you for John's example of having a servant's heart. Help me to seek out ways in which I can serve. Help me to live out John's words, "He must become greater; I must become less." In the name of Jesus. Amen.