Actually, Jesus was not baptizing people. His disciples were. (John 4:2)
Matthew Henry makes six points about this one verse that can be used a lessons for us today. Even though his work was first published in 1714 it has ample value today. I will begin to go through these points and discuss them as they apply to 21st century believers.
Point 2: He would apply himself more to the work of preaching.
We often call John “The Evangelist” but in truth Jesus should bear this title. His job before the crucifixion was one of evangelism. Jesus preached to multitudes. During His short (3 ½ years) career on this earth He preached publicly to huge crowds, privately to small groups in homes and personally to individuals. Baptizing people would have taken precious time away from this vital task.
Today’s lesson is that we too should concentrate on the task that God has given us to do. The apostle Paul was aware of his duties to Jesus. In his letter to the church in Corinth he wrote, “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17). An all of Paul’s letters it is only mentioned that he baptized two people. God sends each of us on differing missions. While the mission may change over a period of time you are called to do the job that was assigned, not try to do other people’s work. Ephesians 4:11 tells us that “he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers”. This is not an all inclusive list and as times change tasks change. The Bible also talks about having the gift of being a helper as well as others. All of these are important.
The person who works the sound booth Sunday after Sunday is vital to the church’s ministry. So is the Sunday School teacher, the person who cleans the church on Saturday afternoon and the ones who clean the yards and parking lots. All are vital for a smoothly functioning body that allows the Holy Spirit to operate on Sunday morning.
You should be content with your assigned role and do the best job that you possibly can do.
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