John 3:22-36

Following Jesus' nighttime encounter with Nicodemus, our Lord departs Jerusalem and heads into the surrounding region of Judea where He begins baptizing those who've believed His message of salvation. We read in verse 23, "Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there...", and in verse 25, "Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification." Verse 26, "And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan", they're referring to Jesus, "to whom you have testified-behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!" Essentially, John's disciples are upset because they're watching "the competition" steal their business! This is a dangerous attitude to have, one which we need be very careful not to fall into, as these men were viewing their work of saving souls as a competition. This in turn implies they were working towards their own ends of self-glorification rather than serving God and giving all praise and glory to Him. As they may have begun their service with right motivations, we now see these disciples far from the place God had called them to.

The ministry of John the Baptist was flourishing, as we read earlier in John the Jews sent priests to question him as he was causing quite a stir among the people (John 1:19). With this, the name and reputation of John, to include the names and reputations of his disciples, was spreading quickly. This man was unlike anything they had seen before, calling for repentance as he claimed the kingdom of heaven was soon coming (Matthew 3:2). John's disciples were indignant at the ministry of Jesus, as they saw Him as one whom John had baptized; therefore, they reasoned, the former (John) must be greater than the latter (Jesus) and so for Jesus to use this new rite of baptism without John's approval was cause for concern. Jesus was stealing their thunder (wink), and John's disciples were not happy about it. It's interesting to note that prior to their complaint they were involved in an argument with the Jews. I wonder if during this argument the Jews may have placed this idea in their minds that this new fellow (Jesus) was taking over their territory. Either way, we know that John's disciples were not serving God with a right heart, and sought glory for themselves. Likewise, we need to be very careful in our service to avoid puffing ourselves up and becoming prideful in our work.

John's extended response in verses 27-36 is precisely the mindset we are called to have in our service to God. Let me preface this by saying simply that we are all called to serve God, in one way or another. It's not a question of if we're called, but rather what we are called into. That's another study, but it's important to remember that God has called each of us to use the gift or gifts He has given us to serve His perfect purpose in our lives. Looking into John's response we see the correct attitude and mindset we are to have in our service. In verse 27, John says, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven". What a powerful statement. James 1:17 reads, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning". From these we are to conclude that everything we receive, whatever gift it may be, it has come from our Father in Heaven. Everything means everything. From the money we make to pay our bills to the houses we live in to the cars we drive. From the books we read to the hobbies we enjoy to the vacations we take. From the way with words to the abilities with numbers to any technical skills we may possess. All of this has been given us by God. Understanding this, we are then called to offer it back to God in a manner of thanksgiving and praise. Whatever it is you consider yourself skilled at, even if you think your skill level tops out at mediocre, you are called to offer it back to God in service. What an honor it is to give our gifts back to the One who has given them to us!

John the Baptist understands this and his response to their complaint here must have taken them aback a little bit. Instead of righteous indignation regarding the apparent theft of "his" rite, baptism by water, John explains the situation very clearly. In verse 28, John says, "You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ', but, 'I have been sent before Him.'" John tells them who this Man is who's "stealing" their crowds. This is Jesus, of whom John was sent to "Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight." (Isaiah 40:3) This is the Savior of the World, the Begotten Son of the Father who has come to earth to die for our sins that we may have eternal life! John owes everything he is to this Man, to include his ministry on earth! John the Baptist tells them the simple truth of the matter in verse 29, saying "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegrooms' voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled." Even if John wished for the old days of large crowds the simple fact is that the bride has made up her mind and chosen the rightful bridegroom, Jesus!

Yes, John had performed the role he was born for, and while he isn't yet finished, he understands that his time is coming to an end as Jesus' ministry takes off. In verse 30, John says, "He must increase, but I must decrease". Here we have the whole of the Christian life summed up for us in a few short words. "He must increase, but I must decrease." John is speaking literally, as his ministry on earth must diminish out of necessity that men will turn their eyes to the Way of Life, but also symbolically of the role of Christ in each of our own lives. I pray that God would help me submit my life to His guidance, to His perfect will. As I decrease, as I say, "God, help me", He is faithful work in me transforming me to the image of Christ. We read in 2 Corinthians 12:10, as Paul is discussing the "thorn in his side", he says, "...For when I am weak, then I am strong". He's saying when I decrease, when I have come to the end of my rope, when I submit to Christ, when I've had enough of my own ways, then I am filled with Jesus, then I have victory, then I can live a conquering life! But only when I give Jesus the keys and say, "You drive!"

The rest of this chapter, verses 31-36, John speaks of Jesus rightful place, again telling his disciples the nature of Christ and His mission on earth. Twice in verse 31 John says, "He who comes from above is above all". Again, we need to pay attention when something is repeated, and here we're entreated to fully grasp the fullness of Jesus and His heavenly origin as the Truth and the Life sent by God. In verse 32 we read, "And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies..." Jesus, being a third of the Godhead to include the Father and the Holy Spirit, has the full power of God. "...what He has seen and heard..." refers to His omniscience and His testimony reflects that knowledge. Jesus knows all things, has seen all things, and is the only Man ever to walk the earth possessing this type of knowledge and authority. While we know few have believed in Him, instead choosing to reject His testimony and live after their own selfish desires, we read in verse 36, "...and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." What a sad verse this is. Here we have the Son of God, the Creator of all heaven and earth, the source of all Truth and Love, who has come to the earth to save men from their sin, and He is rejected. He testifies what He has seen and heard, which we know is all things, everything in existence. Thus, His testimony is the only testimony we should ever trust completely and without reservation! Still, so few have chosen to do so and for them our hearts should break, as does the heart of our Heavenly Father, who wills that none should perish but all should be saved (John 3:15-18; Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9). It's so simple to understand, yet because men love darkness because they're deeds are wicked they refuse the Truth and, when given the opportunity, they put the Truth on a cross. How sad that men can be so stubborn to refuse Jesus Christ. And how much more we need to use that which we have been given to glorify God and spread the see that is the Word of God!