Scripture: John 1:30 (ESV) – “This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’”
John the Baptist makes a bold and powerful statement about Jesus in this verse: “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.” Even though John’s ministry began first, he acknowledges that Jesus is far greater because of who He is—eternal, divine, and supreme.
To put it simply, John is saying, “I might have come onto the scene first, but Jesus has always been.” This isn’t just about who started preaching first; it’s about the eternal nature of Jesus. John recognizes that Jesus isn’t just another great teacher or prophet—He’s the Son of God who has existed forever. Before time began, Jesus was there. Everything John does is ultimately to prepare people for Him.
John’s humility here is striking. He had a huge following and a significant ministry, but he never let that inflate his ego. Instead, he consistently points away from himself and toward Jesus. He doesn’t compete with Christ; he exalts Him. This is the kind of mindset we’re called to have: recognizing that Jesus is always greater than anything we could ever accomplish and that our lives should point others to Him.
In our modern world, where success and recognition are so highly valued, it’s easy to forget that our worth and purpose don’t come from our achievements—they come from Christ. Like John, we’re invited to live in a way that acknowledges Jesus as the center of everything. Whether we’re at work, with family, or serving in ministry, our goal should be to reflect His greatness, not our own.
Finally, this verse reminds us of the incredible mystery of Jesus’ incarnation. The eternal God stepped into history, taking on human flesh to save us. When we grasp even a small part of that truth, it should fill us with awe and gratitude, reshaping the way we live and the way we see Jesus.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you see Jesus as the ultimate priority and purpose in your life?
- Are there areas where you’ve been tempted to make yourself the focus instead of pointing others to Christ?
- How can you practically reflect Christ’s greatness in your daily life?
Prayer:
Jesus, You are the eternal King, the One who existed before all things and holds everything together. Thank You for stepping into this world to rescue us. Help us to see Your greatness clearly and to live in a way that points others to You. Teach us to let go of our pride and to find joy in reflecting Your glory. May everything we do be for Your honor. In Your name, Amen.
*edited and updated from J.C. Ryle’s commentary on the Gospel of John*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 