You Are Not the Christ
The freedom that comes from knowing your role in God's greater story.
There’s a confession every Christian needs to make, but especially every pastor, parent, leader, or caretaker. It’s not found in the historic creeds, though it’s no less essential to spiritual health and ministry survival. It’s the simple, liberating confession of John the Baptist: “I am not the Christ.”
John 1 tells us that the religious leaders of Jerusalem sent a delegation to ask John the Baptist one question “Who are you?” John had become a public figure a prophet in the wilderness, stirring revival and suspicion alike. Rumors swirled. Was he Elijah? Was he the Prophet Moses spoke of? Was he the Messiah?
John’s response was crystal clear:
“He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ’” (John 1:20).
He could have played coy. He could have hinted at his divine connections (after all, he and Jesus were cousins). He could have used the moment to elevate his own platform. Instead, he leaned into obscurity. “I am a voice,” he said, “crying in the wilderness” (John 1:23). A voice not a Savior. Not the Word, but one pointing to it.
A Confession for the Weary
It’s a timely confession in an age obsessed with visibility and validation. So many of us live with the weight of omnipotent expectations to be everything, do everything, solve everything. We act like the world turns on our shoulders. Whether in ministry or motherhood, leadership or labor, we internalize the belief that it all depends on us.
But here’s the truth we are not the Christ.
We are not omniscient. We are not omnipresent. We are not omnicompetent. We cannot be the Holy Spirit in someone else’s life. We cannot save, fix, or redeem anyone on our own. And admitting that is not failure it’s freedom.
Jesus Must Increase
John the Baptist understood his calling:
“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
That wasn’t resignation it was clarity. John wasn’t minimizing his worth. He was maximizing Christ’s. His joy was complete because the Bridegroom had come, and he was simply the friend of the Bridegroom. His job was to point, not replace.
In the same way, whether you're leading a church, raising a family, discipling a friend, or navigating your own journey of faith, your role is to point to Jesus, not play Jesus.
Ministry of Absence
One pastor recalls the wisdom of Gordon Hugenberger, who once told seminary students to develop a “ministry of absence” to intentionally skip a meeting or let someone else lead, just so people remember that the ministry doesn’t revolve around you. It’s a radical but necessary discipline in humility.
This truth comforts both pastors and congregants. When pastors declare, “I’m not the Christ,” it sets everyone free from unhealthy expectations. Church members are reminded that their true Shepherd is Jesus. Leaders are reminded that they are not the source of salvation they’re simply stewards of the message.
Freedom for All of Us
This confession doesn’t just apply to ministry leaders. It applies to all of us.
Parents can’t redeem their children only Jesus can.
Spouses can’t complete one another only Jesus can.
Friends can’t carry every burden only Jesus can.
Recognizing our limits isn’t spiritual weakness; it’s spiritual maturity. And it opens the door to joy. Because when we stop trying to be everything for everyone, we discover the joy of resting in the One who already is.
Self-Forgetfulness Is the Path to Peace
John the Baptist’s clarity came not from low self-esteem but from self-forgetfulness. He didn’t try to craft a résumé or impress the crowd. He simply said, “I am a voice.” That’s the calling of every Christian to echo the truth, to proclaim the Gospel, to get out of the way so that Jesus can be seen clearly.
Because in the end, we are not the main attraction. But we know the One who is.
Christian, what do you believe?
Let every heart answer, “I am not the Christ.”
If this confession has lifted a burden from your heart, share it with someone else who needs to hear it. Or subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly encouragement grounded in gospel truth.
Reply
Freddie McNabb • 15 hours ago
Now this is truth. Thanks for sharing.
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