Beware of Ministerial Jealousy!

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 25, 2024 | John 3:22-26

KEY VERSE:

They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan — the one you testified about — well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him." John 3:26 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Ministerial jealousy? Yes, ministerial jealousy. Many conflicts arise because admirers and supporters of one servant of God get jealous of their mentor in the light of the ministry successes of another servant of God. We have examples in Scripture (our text, Joshua’s reaction in Numbers 11:28, James and John's anger in Luke 9:52-54 etc). Ministerial jealousy was real in biblical times as much as in our days. Ministers enter a competitive mode and measure themselves one against another in terms of quality of ministry, and levels of material possessions. Head pastors are sometimes angered and bitter because a junior minister has some gifts that the head pastor does not have.

The examples of the Lord Jesus, John the Baptist or Paul all show that godly ministers of God will always do their best to quench the fires of ministerial wars brought on by ministerial jealousy. As long as people remain people, and do not allow the full extent of the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, there will always be manifestations of carnal ministerial jealousy.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Do you feel so attached to a minister to the extent that you feel offended when other people as doing better than them? Do you experience the urge to become defensive or even offensive when issues concerning that person come up? Do you feel a competitive edge towards other people and their ministry in the Church? Let us guard against ministerial jealousy.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord Jesus, that though you faced opposition from the religious leaders of your time you did not exercise jealousy of their position or titles. You also showed us how to manage ministerial jealousy. I pray that I will be guarded in handling any feeling of jealousy of other people especially because of what gifts and ministries they may have. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: TESTIFIED In John 3:26 (NIV), the word "testified" comes from the Greek word "μαρτυρέω" (martyreo), which is derived from the root word "μάρτυς" (martus), meaning "witness" or "testimony." It refers to giving testimony or bearing witness to something, often in a legal or formal context.

In the context of John 3:26, John the Baptist's disciples express concern to him about Jesus baptizing and gaining more followers than John. They emphasize that Jesus, whom John testified about, is now baptizing, and everyone is going to Him. Here, "testified" highlights John the Baptist's previous proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah and his role as a witness to Christ's identity and mission.

The word "testified" underscores John the Baptist's authoritative declaration about Jesus' divine nature and purpose, affirming Jesus as the promised Messiah. It reflects John's unwavering commitment to bearing witness to the truth and pointing others to Jesus as the Savior.

In a broader biblical context, "testify" or "witness" is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of believers bearing witness to Christ's redemptive work and proclaiming the gospel to others. Acts 1:8 encourages believers to be witnesses of Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Reflections:

How can we follow John the Baptist's example of faithful testimony and witness-bearing in our lives today, effectively proclaiming the gospel and pointing others to Jesus?