John 4:1-3
“The Message – Jesus realized that the Pharisees were keeping count of the baptisms that he and John performed (although his disciples, not Jesus, did the actual baptizing). They had posted the score that Jesus was ahead, turning him and John into rivals in the eyes of the people. So Jesus left the Judean countryside and went back to Galilee.”
“Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John (although Jesus himself didn’t baptize them- his disciples did). So he left Judea and returned to Galilee.”
Jesus left the arena rather than be drawn into competition and damaging his relationship with John. I have more than my share of natural gifts and the upbringing that developed them. I often found the insecure intimidated and jealousy aroused when simply going about my business, exercising that which God made me to be. I wish I’d had the maturity to step away as Jesus did. But having the capacity to win meant I learned to enjoy winning and found my competitive nature developed. How many tender souls did my own tender soul, desperate for approval, unintentionally run over? Praise God he specializes in managing our social selves when we give him reign.
Lord, forgive me for allowing my competitive nature to run over others. Thank you for giving me parental wisdom to help my own children stay humble and sensitive to their less fortunate peers. I am relieved to find you have lifted the need to win from me in later years. Give me eyes to see those needing encouragement and the opportunity to give it. Make me love others as you love me.