Most people who get a taste of power, popularity, and influence have a very hard time letting go. This fact is what makes the ancient story about the Roman politician Lucius Cincinnatus (c. 519–c. 430 BC) so remarkable. In times of great crisis, the Roman senate could elect a dictator who was given absolute power in a last-ditch effort to handle the crisis. He was expected to lay aside his powers after resolving the threat. It was impossible that giving one man such great power didn’t also bring with it the temptation to misuse that power and to hold on to it after the crisis was over. Some dictators did indeed abuse that power, but Cincinnatus was so highly respected by his fellow state officials that not once but twice he was made dictator by the senate. On both occasions, he used his power to quickly resolve the threat and then promptly resigned, turning his power back over to the senate. He was long remembered by the Romans as a model of selflessness and service to his people.

This story about Cincinnatus reminds me of a story in the Bible about another man who knew his place and was strong enough and humble enough to let go of his influence and position—John the Baptist. Before Jesus even began his ministry, John was leading a wildly successful campaign in the wilderness, teaching the people about the kingdom of God and baptizing crowds of people (Matt. 3: 5-6). John was called by God for this moment in time. His job was to prepare the people for Jesus. But how tempting would it have been for John to make it all about himself when he saw how popular his message was and how many scores of people were following him? But John didn’t make it about himself. He knew his place in the story and he stuck to it. Then Jesus began his own ministry, which would quickly begin to eclipse John’s ministry (John 4:1-2), and John’s response shows us exactly where his loyalties were. 

Some of John’s followers came to him and said “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan (i.e. Jesus)—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him” (John 3:26). John could have been disgruntled that the success of Jesus’ ministry was taking away from John’s ministry. Instead, he said, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. …I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ …The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:28-30). He couldn’t have said it any better. Like John, we have a role to play in God’s story. But it’s God’s story. It’s not about us—it’s all about Jesus. Don’t try to make it about you. Make it about Jesus.