After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 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 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.”

Suppose an expert harbor pilot, one who takes ships through the sometimes dangerous waters of the harbor, was also asked to unload the cargo as well, using a crane. The problem is, he had not been given this skill or training. This might result in unexpected delays and potentially dangerous situations. John the Baptist here knew his role in God’s team. He was the one who came before Jesus to prepare the way. His baptism was before Jesus came and it was for repentance of sin. Jesus baptized believers in his Name. When we TAKE JOY in what abilities God has given us and the mission he set us on, we are focused on our blessings. When we compare, as John’s disciples were doing, (likely envious of Jesus’ successes) then we lose sight of who we are serving and whose opinion matters. Matthew 23:10-12 says this: “Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Doesn’t this seem backwards in comparison to how the world operates? John the Baptist is a good model of Servant Leadership. He took what he was given from God and lived it. He did not worry about others who were getting more recognition. He focused on pleasing his master. He also was joyful at other people’s successes. He was overjoyed to see Jesus emerge and was happy to take a back seat. Can I be happy at the successes of others and enable them? Will I see the big picture of God’s work and take joy in my role? How will I respond when I am called to let the focus be on someone else?