The third chapter of Matthew contains a brief biography of John the Baptist – Jesus’ advance coordinator. John’s assignment was to pave the way (“make straight paths”) for the Messiah. Since his task lasted for less than two years, John had to attract attention quickly. He did so by being dramatically different than the world around him. He lived in a different place (the desert), dressed differently (camel’s hair), ate differently (locusts and wild honey), preached differently, (he labeled the religious leaders a brood of vipers!) and baptized differently (he commanded God’s chosen people to be immersed). John the Baptist intrigued people by being courageously unorthodox.
When Jesus walked seventy miles to the Jordan River and requested baptism, John boldly introduced Him as the Messiah and then transitioned differently. A self-serving egotist would resent Jesus’ skyrocketing popularity but John humbly responded, “He must increase, I must decrease” and then graciously stepped aside. No wonder Jesus said that no greater man had ever been born than John.
Those of us who want to point people to Jesus today need to be attractively different also. While we shouldn’t be deliberately weird, I think we make a mistake when we work too hard to mimic our culture’s customs and lingo. Tony Dungy, Joni Eareckson Tada, John Wooden, Albert Pujols, Beth Moore, Billy and Ruth Graham are Christians who command respect by being distinctive in attitude and demeanor.
Ephesians 5:8 admonishes us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light”. The people we rub shoulders with every day need to see an appealing distinctiveness about us.
They need to see that our families are different. We love our mates and are faithful. We love and discipline our kids and they respond with respect.
They need to see that we’re not enamored with things – our treasure really is laid up in heaven.
They need to see a difference in the way we dress – not that we’re puritans and wear no buttons or make up, but that we dress with modesty and propriety.
They need to hear a difference in our language. We don’t use profanity. We don’t slander those in authority. We don’t twist the truth just to get ahead.
They need to sense a difference in our attitude. We don’t gripe all the time about what’s wrong because we really believe God is in control.
They need to see a difference in our work ethic. We show up on time, every day. We do our job with excellence, honor those in authority, and treat subordinates with respect.
A few years ago an executive of a fairly large company introduced himself to me in the vestibule of our church. He said, “I haven’t gone to church in years but I came today for one reason — Bob Drane asked me to come.” Then he explained why: “If all my suppliers were as honest, hard working and congenial as Bob Drane, my life would be so much easier. When Bob asked me to come, I couldn’t say no because he is my idea of what a genuine Christian should be.”
That’s the modern equivalent of John the Baptist who paved the way for the coming of the Lord. In a fallen world we have a great opportunity to illustrate an appealing contrast of loyal marriages, disciplined children, modest dress, guarded speech, compassionate hearts, conscientious work habits, cheerful generosity, controlled egos and joyful spirits. Look for opportunities this week to, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
** If you are enjoying this study through the book of Matthew with Bob Russell, be sure to check out Bob’s “Falling In Love With Jesus Again” Bible Study DVD and resources for your small group or church.
