The Right Promotion

Scripture:
John 1:19 — Now this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely….
 
Observation:
John wasn’t primarily concerned about the events surrounding the ministry of John the Baptist. He was beginning to tell someone else’s story—-that of Jesus Christ— by recalling insights from John the Baptist. This entire account is the “testimony” of Jesus’ forerunner. John 1 is a theological model for what it means to follow Christ. It urges loving God but not at the expense of knowing Him. John the Baptist experienced a desire to downplay himself and glorify God. He also could give a correct explanation of who Jesus is.
 
Application:
We are tempted to promote ourselves. We want to be patted on the back for a great job we are doing. We do well to notice John’s reluctance to tout his own credentials. Three times in John 1, he answered questions with simple negatives, limiting himself to words that pointed away from himself and towards Jesus.
 
Prayer:
Father, give us what John possessed. Give us a growing sense that our worth is in you. Give us ongoing understanding to recognize that self-promotion is empty. Our call is to testify about you. Like John, cause us to grow in our love and knowledge of You!  

— Robert Green, small groups pastor, Reservoir campus