John-He Must Become Greater
Orient John 3:22-25
John the Baptist Exalts Christ
Beginning with a transition of travel, the story interacts once again with John the Baptist defending Christ, this time to his disciples. We learn more about the superiority of Christ and his ministry over any human agent. Starting in verse 35, scholars dispute the origin on the teaching starting in verse 31, is John the Baptist still speaking or is John the author of the book and apostle interjecting? Checking the quotation marks in your translation will indicate what the editors of your translation believe. This section contains teaching about our role in ministry in comparison to Christ and the validity of the testimony of Christ in representing the Father.
Introduction
In the age of social media, envy is a vice on the rise. Constantly we are bombarded with perfect images of beauty, fashion, home decor, meals, and trips. No matter how wonderful your life is, you will always see something better that you don’t have. Even within the church, instead of being happy for someone else, we can harbor envy in our hearts-even when it comes to the success of another’s ministry. In this section, we see the disciples of John the Baptist challenge when they see Jesus and his followers taking prominence. How John handles this temptation is a model to us as he fully understands and articulates the superiority of Jesus over all.
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I come today to receive for you let me rejoice when I hear your voice. Everything I receive comes from you. Let me receive your testimony as one from above-who has a heavenly, eternal perspective and cares deeply for me. Spirit, you give all things without measure, fill me up with truth today. Amen
Meditation
Read and reread the following passage, taking God’s word in deeply. As you do be sensitive to a phrase or verse the Holy Spirit emphasizes to you personally.
22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).
25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. 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. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.
Paraphrase
Rewrite the phrase or verse that the Holy Spirit highlighted during meditation. What is your take away?
Reflect
1. John the Baptist found himself in a temptation, to make much of his own ministry. Instead he acknowledges a few truths, everything we receive, even accolades and followers, is gifted to us from heaven. He knew to serve Christ and embrace his role as the best man in the wedding between Christ and His church, his influence must decrease. Have you been in a situation where you were tempted to make more of yourself than Christ? How did you handle that? How do these truths help you combat that temptation in the future?
2. John rejoices at the sound of the bridegroom’s (Jesus) voice and has joy knowing that the church will be loved by Him. How often do you appreciate the simple pleasure of being able to sense the voice of Jesus through His Spirit that lives within the believer? Do you take joy when remember that God loves His church well? Though we are loved as individuals, let us soak in that we are the bride corporately when we gather, the object of God’s love.
3. This section is mostly about words, whose speak has the greatest authority, whose testimony we should follow, how speaks truth, and whose words are Spirit-derived. While meditating on this passage, I hope you noticed that the source we should follow is Jesus, because He is above all and has received all things from the Father. When you think about what influences you the most, do you lean on the words of Jesus or other sources?
4. Verse 35 returns to a theme we will see as we study John: whoever believes the Son has eternal life. This verse also ends with a topic that makes many uncomfortable-God’s wrath. Consider this quote by Richard Phillips[1]: “People become angry at the mention of God’s wrath. But a God without wrath would be moral monstrosity; a God who is not furious against evil is not a worthy God.” What is your response to considering that in regards to the character of God?
Closing Prayer
God as I’ve learned from You today, help me remember that my place is to point others to You. To decrease as You increase. I am Your bride and receive the gift of eternal receiving You love. Let me hear Your voice above anything early because You are above all to me. You show me things of heaven and I trust Your testimony. You are truth and You utter the words of God. Give me Your Spirit without measure as I lean on You. Help me to obey you and see life.
Continue praying personally to the Lord with what He showed you during mediation and reflection.
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