Slices
Prepare
Spend a few moments meditating on the words of Philippians 2:5–8.
Bible passage
John testifies again about Jesus
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptised. 23 Now John also was baptising at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptised. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 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.’
27 To this John replied, ‘A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, “I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.” 29 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. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.’
31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
Explore
In unprecedented scenes, supporters of Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol building on 6 January 2021. Refusing to accept that he had lost the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, Trump’s supporters were attempting to block the official certification of the results. Power can so easily exert an illegitimate hold even on those who have held it legitimately. In contrast, John the Baptist demonstrates a refreshingly different relationship to power in these verses.
Confronted by his disciples, who were jealous of the growing Jesus movement and concerned for the implied decline in the popularity of their own movement (v 26), John responds with an expression of delight that Jesus is in the ascendancy (vs 29,30). Whereas his disciples view the growing popularity of Jesus as a loss to lament, John himself sees it as a joy to behold. Even though he has tasted a degree of power and popularity himself, John recognises that Israel – the bride – belongs not to him, but to Jesus – the Messiah (vs 28,29).
John knows not only who Jesus is (vs 31–36), but also who he is in relation to Jesus (vs 27,28). It is in this knowledge that John’s remarkable humility is rooted, which in turn gives rise to his complete contentment with doing no more than God’s will – even when that requires his fading from prominence (v 30).
Respond
Consider whether there is any situation in which God’s unfolding new creation requires you to become less. Take action accordingly.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 49,50; Acts 18
Pray for Scripture Union
Every month, more and more children download and start to play the Guardians of Ancora Bible app. Give thanks for the 1,500+ players who will be beginning their Ancora adventure this month and for the way that the app keeps bringing new players to explore the life of Jesus in this child-friendly way.
Could you volunteer on a holiday or mission this year?
We couldn’t run our holidays and missions without amazing volunteers like you! We’re looking for volunteers for our Easter and Summer programmes and we’d love you to get involved.
