Meditation: John 3:22-30
Christmas Weekday
The best man . . . rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. (John 3:29)
When John speaks these words, he is not only a well-known figure throughout Israel, but he is also regarded as a prophet. People have taken his preaching on repentance seriously, and many have flocked to him to be baptized in the Jordan River.
Now try to picture John as he tells his disciples that he is handing off the baton to Jesus. He knows it’s the end of his ministry, so you might think it would be a sad and solemn occasion. But the best man—whose job in John’s time was to arrange the wedding—is happy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. So it’s more likely that John is saying these words joyfully. He is glad that Jesus is coming on the scene and that he is stepping away. He is content to “decrease” so that Jesus can “increase” (John 3:30).
We can learn something from John’s attitude. We all need to “decrease” in certain ways so that Christ can live more fully in us. Perhaps we need to decrease in our impatience or our anger or our selfishness. Perhaps gossip needs to decrease, or judgmental thoughts, or the amount of time spent online. If you are sensing any of these things, don’t get frustrated or upset. Rejoice instead! It means that Jesus loves you enough that he wants to become more involved in your life.
That’s the best part about the spiritual life. No matter what you are asked to give up, God always promises something far greater. No matter how much you need to change, the Holy Spirit promises that the “changed you” will be so much better—happier, more peaceful, more gentle. More like Jesus.
That’s how you can tell you are hearing the bridegroom’s voice, whether it comes through Scripture, a homily, a friend, or just a new thought that comes to you: his voice is never harsh or demanding. It never leaves you feeling miserable. On the contrary, it gives you hope that you can change. It gives you joy that Christ is with you.
Although some part of you may have to diminish, Jesus will never try to diminish you. He will only make you grow—in faith, in love, and in joy.
“Lord, help me to listen for your voice of truth. I want to rejoice that you are leading me to your kingdom.”
1 John 5:14-21
Psalm 149:1-6, 9