Moving Forward

John 3:25-28 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 – well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” 27 To this John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.’”
 
THE Baptist’s disciples had two problems. One was the ruling Jews. The second was Jesus.
   Regarding the first, some Jews had come to them to essentially ask about baptism. Their questions may have been something like this: “Why should we be baptized by John? We already have water purification rites in our law. “Baptism is for Gentiles who become Jews, isn’t it?” In addition to the questioning Jews, there were also other groups who practiced their own ceremonial washing. “What,” they would have asked, “is the point of another ritual?”
   Second, John’s disciples saw Jesus’ new ministry as copying and replacing John’s. Why should this new rabbi, especially one John had baptized, baptize also? How many preaching, baptizing rabbis did the Jews need? They were jealous it seems.
   Then the Baptizer responded to teach his disciples and us another valuable discipleship lesson. Very directly and simply, he said, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.” John reminded his followers of his calling. John’s ministry occurred because the God of Heaven and earth had appointed him “to “make straight paths for him.” (Mark 1:3) He knew  his role: “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Matthew 3:11) “I am not the Christ.”
   Change has come to John’s followers, and they must be willing change their devotion to the Messiah. Soon it will be time for John to leave. Until that day, he will continue baptizing to prepare the Jews for Jesus Kingdom while he points the Jews to Jesus.
   This is Kingdom progress, and we can add process. The Bible reveals God’s process to make progress from fallen man to restored man. As we are Jesus’ disciples today, we must be aware that we, as the prophets and apostles, are called to be beginning voices for people to hear of Jesus and his gospel. We are also called to continue the work others have begun. Wherever we find ourselves, we always point to Jesus.