Austin CFC | Josh McGuire - Comparing John the Baptist | 2020-06-28
Summary
The speaker discusses the danger of comparison, using examples from scripture to show that God makes comparisons for our benefit. He emphasizes that we must be attentive when Christ points out things to see, such as the offerings or interactions with others. The message focuses heavily on John the Baptist, arguing that Christians often bypass studying him in favor of focusing only on Jesus, and urges deeper study of both figures.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Who is the authority behind these words?The speaker establishes that because these are the words of Jesus, they carry absolute power and demand our careful attention.
Why we must not breeze past John the BaptistMost Christians rush through the accounts of John to get straight to Jesus, missing the vital example that all four Gospel writers insist we confront.
What do you think of John the Baptist?Jesus puts a direct question to the crowds and to us today, asking what we actually perceive when we think of John.Matthew 11:7–11
No one greater than John the BaptistJesus places John above all others born of women, highlighting a radical kingdom principle where the lowest servant is truly the greatest.
Reading Scripture for ourselvesMan-made chapter headings can color our perception of a passage, so we must read the text directly to understand what is truly happening.
Jesus spending time with His disciplesA powerful sidebar in the text shows Jesus prioritizing fellowship and time with His disciples, modeling true care over mere busyness.
John's practical common-sense ministryJohn was not a fringe eccentric, but a practical leader who baptized where there was much water and answered everyday questions with common-sense repentance.
Everything is given from heavenFaced with tension and disputes as people began following Jesus instead of him, John demonstrates the attitude that nothing can be received unless God gives it.
Pointing disciples away from himself and to JesusWhen John's own disciples heard him call Jesus the Lamb of God and followed Jesus, John was fulfilling his ultimate purpose all along.
The friend of the bridegroomJohn refers to himself as the friend of the bridegroom, whose sole delight is simply standing and hearing the voice of the groom.
My joy is made fullJohn declares his joy is complete because people are now gravitating to Jesus, proving he lost nothing by pouring out his life in service.
He must increase, but I must decreaseThe ultimate test of our labor as parents, elders, and believers is whether those we pour our lives into gravitate toward our Savior rather than us.
