No Greater Love

Scripture

They 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 baptising, 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 NIVUK) 

No Greater Love

We have a good friend who tells Susan “Say hi to ‘The Voice’ for me.”  Not sure what quality or timbre of my voice has generated that nickname, but it is possible it has something to do with irritation.  

I once had an acquaintance who heard me in conversation with a group say, “Norm you have a good voice and people listen to it – make sure you’re saying something worthwhile”. The jury’s still out on that one but we all have work to do in that area. 

John the Baptist called himself “A voice” and he said many worthwhile things but he exhibited humility and generosity in his way of expressing the message. He knew his role was to be Jesus’ front man, preparing the crowd for Him. I realize why Jesus called John great because Jesus said, “Greater love has no-one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”.

When his followers saw Jesus as competition, he calmed them down by putting himself in the healthiest position a person can be, giving up self-interest for a friend.  

A Prayer for Today

Loving God, you call us to follow Jesus and you have provided a great model in John. He was strong, courageous, commanded attention but knew it was for greater purpose. Help us to use our strengths as he did with humility and discretion, appropriate to the places and people we are among. …. For Jesus’ sake