John’s teaching about Christ, in these two verses, is very enlightening. Most of us have been to a wedding and understand that that day is for noone else but the couple, the bride and the groom. I am going to go to a wedding real soon as a best man, and it is a great joy. I am almost as happy for the groom as I was when I myself was a groom. (Well I only say this because it is my brother so it’s pretty awsome). But in all my joy it is not self centered. It is all for the ones getting married. I have been with him I have talked with him through many areas of his life. We have shared rooms and apartments. His life is moving forward and I am happy, and proud of my brother.
So how does this encourage faith? Marriage is a religious institution, first and formost. I would be glad if it would stay in the religious realm so we can stop debating over the definition. Marriage is a reflection of the relationship between God and His people. A relationship of submission, honor, love, and commitment. These are shown throughout scripture, especially in God’s relationship with the Hebrew people. Marriage should reflect God. Each meber should think first for the other and devote their lives to them. Often they break down because one member stops thinking of the other and devotes ther life to their own desires.
But this isn’t a teaching on a good marriage but a good friend. A friend brings the best out of you. A friend knows your desires, dreams, and hope and they will do all they an to assist you to getting there. That is why we need friends. A friend is the person encouraging you when it seems everyone else is against you. John the baptist was Jesus’s friend, and Jesus returned the same devotion when he says about John “no other man born of a woman is greater than he.” Now if that isn’t encouragment I don’t know what is. Just as in a marriage the friend must deminish their own desires for the sake of the other. In a healthy friendship this is mutual and it doesn’t seem like much of a sacrifice. Those that only take and never give drain a friendship, and both suffer.
The friendship of John and Jesus is one to reflect upon. We don’t hear much about their interactions but we do know that they were very close. This weekend consider your friends, and then compair it to that of John and Jesus. Enjoy that friendship as we enjoy the weekend.
Discussion
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