John the Baptist on Platform

Early in Jesus' ministry, before John the Baptist was thrown in prison, there's a time when both Jesus and John are baptizing disciples but in different locations from each other. John's disciples are worried: "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness-- look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him." (John 3:26) All? Well, not quite. A few verses before (John 3:23) you can read that John the Baptist is still baptizing. But more are going to Jesus now than John. (John 4:1-2)

Jesus is on the rise, John is on the decline, and his disciples are troubled. But not John. His goal all along has been to point his disciples to Jesus. Remember? "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" So how does he help his disciples work through their jealous fear of loss of influence? With a calm, level-headed, and (most importantly) humble analysis of the situation:

• Yes, I've had lots of followers (big platform). I've been well known and attracted the attention of the big shots of the day. I'm the fulfillment of prophecy. But "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven." (John 3:27) God gave me this position for a time and that time is almost up.
• I always said I'm not the Christ, just the one who prepared the way before him. (John 3:28) It's never been about ME having followers. It's about getting those followers to look to Jesus. And that's what's happening! They're going to him! That's awesome! "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)
• I'm not the bridegroom, just the best man. I'm so glad to hear the bridegroom's voice. He's here and he's going to save his bride. My joy is complete in HIM, not in having a bunch of followers. (John 3:29)

Having a platform is fine (really! John did!) as long as you use it to spotlight the Savior. But John the Baptist reminds us to hold that platform loosely. If you have it, it came from God. If you lose it or it decreases, that's from God too. Your platform should be all about Jesus anyway. Make sure your joy is in him, not in your influence. No one likes to see the best man hog the spotlight at the wedding.