“And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not” (Luke 3:15)

The Bible says in Colossians 1:18, speaking of none other than our Lord and Saviour Jesus, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

As individual Christians (Saints), and as a whole (the Church), we are responsible to keep (glorify) Jesus as the Head of the Body. He is the Way, the Truth, the Life! He is the only begotten Son! He is the Saviour for the “whosoever” wills!

2 Corinthians 5:18 says:

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”

The people of John’s day were looking for a way to escape the wrath to come. He asked them about it in Luke 3:7. They were looking for someone to deliver them. They were looking for their Messiah. They were looking for “The Christ.” And because John was the one delivering “The Good News,” and baptizing the people; this made it possible in their minds that John himself was “The Christ.”

But just as we are, so was John – just the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” We are only the Messengers with the Message about the Saviour (Salvation), “The Christ,” the One who is able to give you remission of sins; past, present, and future.

And because the Bible says, “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:22); it is understandable how the people of John’s day (mostly Jews) were willing to accept him as The Christ, when he was baptizing (a sign) and preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Even today, those who have been given the Stewardship of the Wisdom of God, can be looked upon as more than just the Messenger. If we are not careful to always give Jesus Christ the preeminence in all things, especially our message, it is possible for some of the people to have great expectations of us. But it is our responsibility to follow John’s footsteps if this happens.

I’m sure that all the people did not verbalize their expectations. People today might not verbalize how high their expectations are of you, because of the things that you do and the wisdom that you speak. Yet it is up to you to keep pride at bay.

It is no doubt, the Holy Spirit will remind you that satisfying the expectations of the people by glorifying yourself is not right. We are as individuals (Saints), and as a whole, to satisfy the expectations of God, first by glorifying His Son.

We pray that as we lift Him up before ourselves, He will draw all unto Him for salvation, and they will look not to us.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32)