Recognizing True and False Preachers

(John 3:22-32)
John the Baptist, incarnation of Elijah, was more than a prophet according to Jesus. John is the voice crying out in the desert, a strong and powerful preacher, an extraordinary man with a marvelous mission: to prepare hearts to receive Jesus Christ. In the course of a conversation about this Jesus between himself and his disciples, John reveals two clues sufficient to recognize the true and false prophet.

Indeed, John's disciples couldn't understand why the one their master had baptized (Jesus) was attracting so many people. John told them:

1) I am not Christ, but I have been sent before him (John 3:28).

The false preacher, on the other hand, positions himself as Christ. He usurps his place. He speaks in the first person singular, seeing himself as the one who grants prosperity and guarantees life. The true preacher, like John the Baptist, shows that he is only a servant.

Daniel explained the dreams; but each time, he made it clear that it was God through him who gave the explanation (Daniel 4).

2) He has to grow and I have to shrink.

The false preacher, on the other hand, seeks his own glory and elevation. He usurps God's glory and merits. He is a celebrity. Christ Himself once refused to be called a good teacher, because only God deserves that title. (Mark 16:18)