John 1:15 (Contemporary English Version)
This is the one John was talking about, when he said, ‘The man who comes after me
is more important than I am, because he existed before I did.’
Encouragement
Sometimes you feel small. You see people around you who are articulate, seem strong, or have everything in order. Or you look at your own past and think: I'm behind. John the Baptist also played a major role. People listened to him. Yet he points away from himself to Jesus. He says honestly, ‘He is greater than I.’ Not because John was worthless, but because Jesus is greater than any human being.
And then John says something remarkable: ‘He was there before me.’ Jesus does not start at your starting point. He is not limited to your age, mistakes or history. He is before everything. That gives peace. Because if Jesus is greater than you, then He is also greater than your shame, your failures, your doubts and your worries.
In the church, you see this when someone with a task or talent remains modest and says, ‘Don't look at me, look at Jesus.’ That is healthy: not inflating yourself, but also not pushing yourself away.
In society, you see something similar in a good leader who does not take everything upon himself, but gives others space. That is liberating. It shows that it is not about my ego, but about what is good.
John 1:15 teaches you two things: you don't have to be the centre of attention, and you don't have to hide either. Jesus is the centre of attention. And because He is great, you can be small and honest, without fear.
Question to ponder
Where are you inclined to compare yourself or prove yourself? And what would change if you said today, ‘Lord Jesus, You are greater than I am’?
Take this with you
- You don't have to stand out to have value.
- Jesus is greater than your mistakes and worries.
- Point yourself and others to Him again and again.
Final thought
John did not point to himself, but to Jesus. That is true freedom: living with Jesus at the forefront. He was there before you—and He will be there tomorrow.