Apr 18 - 34 - John 4:1

Now Jesus learned that

the Pharisees had heard that

he was gaining and baptizing

more disciples than John

John 4:1

                                                                             Bible Rank: 34

 

Again, this is not a TopVerse in and of itself. Rather, it stands at the introduction of an important chapter and important story - the woman at the well. 

But in this political season where every campaigner's motive is scrutinized, look at the motive and character of John the Baptist. This verse marks a shift in what was going on at the fringes of religious practice in Israel. 

 

At the center of first century religion in Israel stood the deadly legalism of the Pharisees. 

But suddenly a fresh wind was blowing through the desert. Crowds were leaving the cities to hear "a voice crying out in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord.'"

To use the modern vernacular, John-the-Baptist was a star. He was an insurgent candidate with a huge following. The establishment - the Pharisees - sought to undermine his popularity. Any would be handlers would have surely encouraged John to go on an advertising campaign to increase his exposure and his brand. 

But it is in these moments that John reveals his servant's heart. In the sentences just before today's verse -- John 3:26-30 -- we hear that "crowds came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him.' John answered, 'No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.' ... He must increase, but I must decrease.”

 

John was a servant, and servants are humble. How many of you wish, like me, that we had more candidates with the character of John the Baptist. 

 

In Christ's Love,

a guy who is starting

a write-in campaign:

John-the-Baptist

for President!