The Seduction Of Stardom

The Seduction of Stardom

John 1:19-23, NLT

This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?” 23John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the LORD’s coming!’”

Setting the Scene

All four Gospels highlight the unique role of John the Baptist in the life of Jesus. Luke indicates that John and Jesus are distant cousins (see Luke 1:36, KJV).

Matthew interprets John’s presence by quoting Isaiah 40:3, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”(Matthew 3:3, NLT). Both Matthew and Mark describe John’s appearance in a way that reminds us of Old Testament prophets whose ministry involved unorthodox outfits and unusual diets: “John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey” (Matthew 3:4, NLT). Small wonder that the religious establishment sent a delegation to John to inquire about his identity. Would he claim to be a prophet? John made it clear he wasn’t a prophet; he was the fulfillment of a prophecy!

John the Baptist knew his role and lived it. He was a charismatic figure whose life and message drew crowds, and he could have cashed in on his notoriety. Instead John used a striking word picture from Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness.” To make sure they didn’t miss the point, he added, “I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal” (John 1:27, NLT). John was not seduced by his own stardom. He knew who the “star” really was and gladly pointed everyone toward the Savior.

Getting Personal

In what ways are you “preparing the way” for those around you to find the Savior?

How can you make Christ the central focus of your life?

“It’s all about me” is the attitude of many in our world today. The bottom line for the Christian, however, is that it isn’t all about me; it’s all about Jesus. Every act, every word, every motive, every plan, every desire should revolve around the center, Jesus himself. Only then is life in balance. Only then can we point people to the Savior.

Talking to God

Submit all of today’s words and actions to the Lord. Ask him to provide real balance, with himself as the central focus of your life.