As we continue our journey through John 3, we see a critical moment where John the Baptist's disciples approach him with what they perceive as a crisis: Jesus is baptizing more people than their teacher! Today, we'll explore John's incredible response and what it teaches us about having the right view of influence.
John 3:27 "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven."
Have you ever caught yourself comparing your influence to someone else's? Maybe you've felt that twinge of jealousy when a colleague gets promoted, when another ministry gains traction, or when someone’s recognition outpaces your own. If we're honest, we've all been there.
John the Baptist's disciples came to him with news that would have crushed most leaders: "Rabbi, that guy you baptized…He's now baptizing more people than you are! Your ministry is being eclipsed!" They were essentially saying, "Your star is fading. You're being replaced. We need to do something!"
John's immediate response cuts to the heart of the matter: "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven." It's as if he's saying, "Guys, influence isn't something you earn or deserve—it's a gift from God."
This echoes what Paul would later write in 1 Corinthians 4:7: "What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" Every ounce of influence we've ever had, every person we've ever helped, every talent we've ever utilized—it's all a mercy from God.
Think about it: When a great leader arises, when a talented artist takes the stage, when a skilled communicator influences thousands—it's not ultimately because of them. It's because God, in His sovereign mercy, has chosen to work through them.
You see, in the kingdom of God, we don't measure success by comparing ourselves to others. We measure it by faithfulness to what God has entrusted to us. John understood that his role was to be a voice pointing to Jesus, and he fulfilled that role perfectly.
The moment you begin to think of your influence as something you've earned or deserve, pride has taken root. And pride is poison to the soul. It blinds us to our dependence on God and robs Him of the glory that is rightfully His.
When was the last time you thanked God for allowing you to be used in someone else's life? When was the last time you recognized that your talents, your platform, your relationships—they're all gifts from above? Having the right theology of influence means holding everything loosely, knowing it all belongs to God.
In what areas of your life have you been tempted to take credit for the influence God has given you?
How would your perspective change if you truly believed that "a man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven"?
What practical steps can you take this week to ensure you're deflecting glory to God rather than absorbing it yourself?
Stay dialed in,
Jonny Ardavanis
