Greatness

Saturday 16^th December

Read John 1:6-8

“There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. ⁸ He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.” (NIVUK)

Much debate has occurred as to why John writes such a seemingly negative statement concerning the witness of John. Some believe it was a later insertion to correct those who may have thought John was greater than Jesus (cf Acts 19:1-7). But in a gospel that is otherwise immensely positive about John this would seem a strange corrective indeed.  But if we read the final clause as signifying something important, the true and essential witness to the light, to Jesus then it is entirely consistent with Jesus’ own conclusion concerning John’s greatness.

“As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? ⁸ If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. ⁹ Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is the one about whom it is written:

‘“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.”

¹¹ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:7-11) (NIVUK)

It is truly humbling to hear Jesus’ words aright. As great as John is, those who follow Jesus are greater.