John openly gives witness about the person

The person who came later is placed ahead of John

The person's status depends on John's approval

John says he had never spoken about this person before

Redirect the credit toward Christ instead of yourself

Hold onto the praise so your influence grows

Stay silent even if someone asks what you believe

Compare yourself with others to prove you matter

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and that I need your mercy. I turn from my sin and trust that you died for me and rose again. I believe you are Lord, greater than I am, and before me in all things. Come into my life, forgive me, and lead me from this day forward. Amen.

Receive the One John Pointed To

Lord, awaken your Church to speak of Jesus with humble boldness. Where we have looked for attention for ourselves, turn our eyes back to the One who is greater and who comes first. Make us faithful witnesses, quick to testify and eager to point people to Christ, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

A Church That Testifies to Christ

Thank God that Jesus is not merely a later teacher but the one who stands first. Give thanks for his greatness, his eternal priority, and the grace of hearing faithful witness that points to him.

Thankful for Christ's First Place

Lord, I confess that I often want the spotlight and the credit for myself. Forgive me for speaking as if I were the center instead of Jesus. Teach me to gladly step aside so he is seen more clearly, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Turning From Self-Importance

Pray by naming one conversation or relationship where you can speak about Jesus clearly and humbly. Ask God for courage to testify, wisdom to speak well, and grace to keep the focus on Christ, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Pray to Point Others to Jesus

Father, I lift up someone who has heard about Jesus but has not yet trusted him. Use every faithful word they hear to draw them to the One who was before us all, and open their heart to believe.

For Someone Hearing the Witness

Ἰωάννης{ee-o-AN-nees###ee-oh-AN-nees###John} μαρτυρεῖ{mar-ti-REE###mahr-tee-REE###bears witness} περὶ{pe-REE###peh-REE###about} αὐτοῦ{af-TOO###ahf-TOO###him} καὶ{KE###KE###and} κέκραγεν{KE-kra-yen###KE-krah-YEHN###has cried out} λέγων{LE-gon###LEH-gohn###saying} Οὗτος{HOO-tos###HOO-tohs###This} ἦν{EEN###EEN###was} ὃν{hon###hohn###whom} εἶπον{EE-pon###EE-pohn###I said} Ὁ{ho###ho###(the)} ὀπίσω{o-PEE-so###oh-PEE-soh###after} μου{moo###moo###me} ἐρχόμενος{er-KHO-me-nos###ehr-KHOH-meh-nohs###coming} ἔμπροσθέν{EM-pros-THEN###EHM-prohs-THEN###before} μου{moo###moo###me} γέγονεν{YE-go-nen###YEH-goh-NEHN###has become} ὅτι{HO-tee###HOH-tee###because} πρῶτός{PRO-tos###PROH-tohs###before} μου{moo###moo###me} ἦν{EEN###EEN###was}

John 1:15 — DynamicTAB

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