Thursday 25 June 2026

Psalm 125

Background
John's Gospel is clear about the mission of John the Baptist. He is sent from God to bear witness to the light (John 1:7), and he understands his role as fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of a voice calling out in the wilderness "Make straight the Lord’s way" (John 1:23). He is not the light; not the Messiah; not Elijah returning; not the prophet like Moses (John 1:21-22). When he encounters Jesus he immediately proclaims him as the ‘Lamb of God’ (John 1:29). John’s Gospel emphasises the unequal relationship between the two men. Elsewhere, particularly in Luke's Gospel, we hear far more of John’s role as the one who challenges sinners to repent and finally baptises Jesus.

Today’s reading picks up on the same understanding of the relationship between John and Jesus. Jesus is the bridegroom, John the ‘bridegroom’s friend’. John affirms his supporting role and the delight he feels as Jesus fulfils his calling to lead. There is graciousness in his words, compared with the grumpy comments of his disciples, and behind this a profound theology of gift. God has given him the role of forerunner, and he is fully himself when he is inhabiting this role. He is not called to be the Messiah; that is Jesus’s rightful place. His joy comes from seeing Jesus emerging into the spotlight which is his God-given place – John knows he does not belong there himself. He recognises his disciples’ implicit suggestion of competition as a temptation, and is quick to reject it with the poignant words "He must increase, but I must decrease".

To Ponder:

• We encourage one another in discipleship by speaking of the gifts we see in each other. John also names the gifts he knows he doesn’t have. How far does this negative approach help you clarify your sense of God’s purpose for you?
• John suggests that it’s a gift from heaven to be in the right role, at the right time, in the right place – creating as much joy as a bridegroom feels on his wedding day. Looking back over your life, are there times when you’ve recognised where God means you to be and have flourished there?
• Paul describes the Church as ‘the bride of Christ’ (eg in 2 Corinthians 11:2). John highlights for us the eternal joy of Christ, the bridegroom, in the community of faith, his bride. How can the Church best express the joy of this relationship?

Prayer
Gift-giving God, we praise you for the gifts you pour upon us from your home in heaven. Give us a sense of realism and honesty in recognising the gifts we don’t have; give us courage in claiming the gifts that are your will for us, and may we use them to your glory as we share the good news of Jesus. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Caroline Wickens
The Revd Dr Caroline Wickens is the Superintendent of the West Hertfordshire & Borders Methodist Circuit and Deputy Chair of the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex Methodist District.