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. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. —John 3:22-36
Introduction: John the Baptist lived a life of devotion and surrender to Christ and His Kingdom. Born to Zechariah, a Levitical priest, John was raised to be “a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him.” (Luke 1:76) John lived a rugged life in the mountainous area of Judea with a deep focus on the work set before him. Following Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:1-21, John gives an account of John the Baptist responding to his disciple’s concern over baptism and Jesus’ growing popularity. John’s response is a powerful example of holding a high view of God and rejoicing not in our own significance but in Christ’s.
1. Jesus is superior to every authority (v. 31-36)
- a. His authority comes from heaven (v.31)
- b. He is above all (v.31)
Faith in Jesus’
- c. Humans see and hear his testimony and reject it. (v.32)
- d. Those who believe in Jesus believe in God (v.33)
e. His power is without measure. (v.34; Col. 2:8-10)
8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. —Colossians 2:8-10
f. Obedience is the mark of belief. (v.35-36)
Humanity
2. Glory belongs to Jesus
- a. John’s followers felt Jesus’ ministry was in competition (v.22-25)
- b. John and Jesus were both preaching repentance (v. 26-29)
Everything
- c. John preached Christ for Christ, not himself. (v. 29; Philippians 1:15-17)
15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. —Philippians 1:15-17
The purpose of ministry is not to
3. Followers of Jesus experience joy when God is glorified.
- a. John rejoices in the friendship and closeness of Jesus (v.29)
- b. John finds joy in completing the mission. (v.29)
- c. John rightfully makes room for the supremacy of Jesus (v.30)
When we live for
Small Group Questions
What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
How does dismissing or minimizing Jesus’ authority affect our lives?
Why do we tend to make ministry about ourselves? What is the best way to let go of the need to be significant?
Let us hear about times in your life when you lived for others and God received the glory and you received the joy as a result.