Gene’s Daily Schedule Posting

Living with Contentment: John 3:23-36

Focus Passage: John 3:23-36 (NCV)

When we think of people in the Bible who are humble, chances are that the person this passage focuses on is not among the highest on our list. However, in this passage, we see a glimpse of the character of John the Baptizer, and the glimpse we see is one that shows His understanding of His role in relation to the Messiah.

The key phrase that reveals John’s character is how he opens his response: “A man can get only what God gives him.” (v. 27)

This phrase summarizes a deep understanding of life and the secret of contentment. In the context, John is speaking of followers and fame, but if we look at the theme/idea surrounding this phrase, it can be applied to most every area of our lives in the marketing-centered society that we live in. Marketing tries to get you to feel like you need or would benefit from having something else; contentment says I am okay with what I have.

John follows up this statement by saying, “You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for him.’” and “He must become greater, and I must become less important.” (v. 28, 30)

John understands his role, and it is not being Jesus. He is content with the followers God has given him, but he understands his mission is to not collect followers, but to point the followers he collects to the actual Messiah. John seems thrilled to simply be living during a time when he could meet the Messiah personally.

“A man can get only what God gives him.” (v. 27)

While culture says that it is up to us (our drive, our connections, our talent, our determination, etc.), John counters this idea by pointing us to the source, and that all we are given ultimately comes from God.

This thought was inspired by studying the Walking With Jesus “Reflective Bible Study” package. To discover insights like this in your own study time, click here and give Reflective Bible Study a try today!

Read this article on the web on it's official page: Living with Contentment: John 3:23-36