The great one stoops to serve!

Reflecting on 3:27-36

“The one who comes from above is above all.” (John 3:31)

John describes Jesus as ‘from above’, not ‘from the earth’ like him, and all of us.
John does not yet understand HOW Jesus is from God, but he is sure that Jesus is.
Jesus is not only above John, He is above everyone and everything.
Yet this greatness is very different from the greatness ‘from below’.
The greatness of Jesus is seen in His humble and gracious character.

It is not in military strength, nor is it in wealth or property.
It is not in educational degrees, nor is it in poplarity or prestige.
An it is not in a great conquest, but in His humble and shameful crucifixion.
As Jesus followers we need to focus on this greatness, not the greatness from below.
Yet this is not the greatness we see the church focusing on.

Too many churches are drawn to big names, big numbers, big buildings, big politics.
They want to see the world changed, but are using ‘from below’ tactics.
They are not relying on the Spirit of God working through humility and grace.
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)
Our greatness ought to be like Jesus’s greatness, not worldly greatness.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, help us as Your followers to follow You in being servants, not Masters. Just as You went below us to lift us up, help us to go below those around us, to lift them up. May our greatness be seen in our humbled and gracious character.