The One to Follow

In Jesus’ day it was common to follow the teachings of a specific Rabbi. Each Rabbi had a set of teachings called a “yoke”. These teachings were their interpretations of the Scriptures and traditions. When a person started following a Rabbi they committed themselves fully by becoming a disciple with the goal of continue his "yoke". 

So as we read John's telling of the narrative of the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus we discover that many started leaving John the Baptist and began following Jesus. This would likely raise many questions such as the we recorded in John 3:22-35.

The question most likely surrounded the legitimacy of each one's baptism. We may see the question in light why people abandon a a particular belief for another. We can ask it this way, "why abandon a way of thinking and begin following the teachings of Jesus?" In our culture today asking someone to abandon a way of thinking that they have been raised to believe is considered politically incorrect and extremely offensive. Yet Jesus has commissioned us to do just that. He has commissioned us to make disciples. With this in mind let us look at the idea that who Jesus is makes Him the One to follow. 

As we observe this passage section by section we first notice the question, who's teaching is to be observed in order to be made pure? As you read verses 22-26 please consider the following:

1. To follow a teacher (Rabbi) one would be totally committed to his interpretation of the

    Scripture (yoke) and their goal would be to someday be like their Rabbi.

2. The discussion in this passage would have been concerning the teachings of each John and  

    Jesus and thus the legitimacy of their baptism for purification.

We can apply this today in by asking ourselves a question. Do you want people to follow your way of thinking or the thinking of Jesus? We have to understand that we don’t know all there is to know and give people freedom and responsibility to seek and study what Jesus said about Himself and how He has revealed God. 

The second section, verses 27-30 displays John's joy being made complete by knowing that people are following Jesus. In this section we must understand the following two points. 

1. John understood his role in relation to Jesus and those to whom he was ministering. His whole point was to get them to Jesus.

2. John’s disciples did not quit understand what John and Jesus were about. They were most likely very committed to John and though that those who were leaving him were failing to show the same commitment.

If we understand this section, we learn that ffollowing Jesus does not mean following a man. Historically Christians have and still do label themselves by who's theological system is followed. This has led to division which has caused many to abandon the church.

In the final section of this passage John glorifies Jesus and provides four truths about Jesus that put Him in the position of the one we are to follow.  In verses 31-35, John the Baptist speaks of Jesus as the one we are to follow because He is...

…is above all. V. 31

…bears witness to what he has seen and heard. V. 32-33

…utters the words of God. V.34

…is loved by the Father and has been given all things.

Being that these things are only true about Jesus we may say that the more we get to know Jesus, the more we will want people we love to follow Him. The question that remains for us to answer is if we will put political correctness in the place of God. If you believe that Jesus is the One to follow, then like John the Baptist your joy will be made complete when those you love choose to do so.