The Life of John the Baptist, Part 6 of 6.

The Life of John the Baptist, Part 6 of 6. 

John the Baptist, part 6 of 6
My (Nathan’s) thoughts concerning John the Baptist’s humility and focus…
It’s no secret that if not careful, then pride and jealousy can all be enveloped within success. In John 3:25, John the Baptist’s followers attempted to cause division and an uproar by attempting to get John the Baptist jealous of Christ’s work. It would have been so easy for John the Baptist to get sucked into such a mindset, but he was quick to point everyone to THE #1, Christ Himself. John the Baptist knew he wasn’t competing with Christ, rather he was Christ’s compliment to the work needing done in their community…for His Glory. This is a great lesson for each of us to learn as well. If not careful, then we too can easily get distracted and sucked into competing with each other for members, for position, for who’s right and who’s wrong. If not careful, then we too are prone to create uproars and divisions, rather than attempting to be a compliment to the work Christ is attempting to accomplish within our community. Sadly enough we’re spending more time building walls and not doors (I’m not saying compromise or that all religions lead to Heaven). It’s as if it’s easier and more enjoyable to create uproar and division, rather than taking the time to really get to know the hearts and minds of others. May we remember that Jesus is standing at the door and knocking (that passage in Revelation 3:20 is referring to believers). We need to let Him into our churches, community, and ministries. We need to eliminate the elitism mentality. If John the Baptist can eliminate it, then so can we. May we choose to follow the example of John the Baptist and directly proclaim, BEHOLD, not self, but the Lamb of God!!! Then see what difference that’ll make all around us.
Below are the verses in the Book of John where John the Baptist said, “Behold,” and then a biblical definition of the term behold. Take some time to do some self-examination considering your role in the community or within ministry…are you excitedly proclaiming BEHOLD and fixing your eyes, attention, admiration, mind on Him alone, or are you attempting to steal the show?
Remember, God is The Elector/Chooser. Trust He’ll complete His work regardless of what others are doing or teaching. Separation is to be more about not giving into false teaching / worldly lifestyles, rather than removing oneself from the presence of sinful people (Discernment is key…ask God to show you what sharing His word with others looks like and where He’d have you to be when doing it). Do I treat sinners like unclean lepers? Do I, in a sense, avoid them and or cast them out of my sphere of influence? Isn’t Jesus often seen eating and visiting with sinners? Isn’t that how and where He met you…in sin and as a sinner? Allow others to meet Him too outside of the Church doors…play a part in introducing them to Christ and allow Him to do a work on their hearts.

John 1:29
[ The Lamb of God ] The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:36
And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
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KJV Dictionary Definition: behold
BEHO'LD, v.t. pret. and pp. beheld' L.observo, from servo, to keep.
1. To fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care.
Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1.
2. In a less intensive sense, to look upon; to see.
When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Num. 21.
BEHO'LD, v.i. To look; to direct the eyes to an object.
And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, a lamb, as it had been slain. Rev.5.
1. To fix the attention upon an object; to attend; to direct or fix the mind.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Rev.3.word is much used in this manner for exciting attention, or admiration. It is in the imperative mode, expressing command, or exhortation; and by no means a mere exclamation.
https://av1611.com/kjbp/kjv-dictionary/behold.html