Episode 34 — John 3:22–28 — Knowing Your Role in God’s Kingdom

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it is a pleasure to be here with you today. Today is February 3.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
Jesus is glad you’re here.
He longs to spend time with you.
He loves you deeply and delights in your presence.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper in your heart: “Oh my soul.”
As you exhale, pray: “Receive His peace.”
Repeat this three times, then sit quietly for a few moments, letting His peace settle over you.

Read
Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people.
At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. (This was before John was thrown into prison.)  A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”
John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ (John 3:22–28, NLT)

Notice
What stands out to you in this passage?
Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention?
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread
Hear the passage again slowly, paying attention to what God may be highlighting for you today.

Meditate
In sports, every player has a position and a role to play. Success comes when each person knows their role and plays it well.
John the Baptist understood his role perfectly — he was the one preparing the way for Jesus, not competing with Him.
His disciples struggled with this truth, but John knew that the kingdom of God succeeds when we each faithfully do what God has called us to do.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
What is my role in God’s kingdom, and am I living it out faithfully?

Respond
God, help me to know my role in Your kingdom and to do my part faithfully for Your glory.

Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Chew on God’s Word
God’s Word never loses its flavor. The more you chew on it, the richer it becomes.
Today, chew on this phrase: “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.”
Instead of scrolling on your phone, think about what great things God has done for you.
While sitting at a stoplight, ponder how God has worked in your life.
Let your thoughts return to Him throughout the day.

When I started the 2 Minute Disciple Podcast, my goal was simple — to help busy believers spend a little time with God each day. If this podcast has encouraged you, would you consider supporting it on Buy Me a Coffee? Your gift helps us keep sharing God’s Word, improve our quality, and reach more hearts. You can find the link in the show notes. Thank you for being part of this ministry.
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.