Today was just one guy and me – and we discussed Day 12 – John 3:22-35. This passage/day focuses around John the Baptist and his understanding of the ministry of Jesus. John was to herald Jesus’ coming and then get out of the way. The overriding question asked, “What is John modeling for us?” and we both thought it showed a great amount of humility for John to step out – this was modeled for us here.

However, there is an overarching concept here that you simply cannot miss! John was to prepare the way (Is 40:1-3) and get people ready for Jesus. I think if we are honest for a moment, we like to be the center of attention. When someone comes to Jesus, we often feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in the fact that “another soul has come home thanks to me.” Now we never say this, but I venture to guess it is there. I can prove it in this way – Have you ever been jealous of someone who leads someone else to the Lord? Why do we do this to ourselves? It is not our kingdom, ministry or name that is to be praised/built up – but the Father’s, right? God is good to us and allows us to be a part of that experience. John understood this, and Jesus’ ministry is all about this (see Luke 9:1-6 and 10:1-2), allowing others to proclaim His coming and to allow others into the story. So, learn this from John. Be a proclaimer – we are told to preach the good news! This means that we should proclaim what God is doing in us all the time – not to go out and get a Bible degree, learning how to speak well on Sunday mornings (as preaching is often understood). So go, be a proclaimer – make way for the King and help to raise the valleys and lower the mountains so that a straight path to God can be seen by others.