John 3:26-36
v. 26: John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him!” (John 3:26 a). They were worried that Jesus was becoming more popular than John. They felt jealous, but John was not upset. v. 27: John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven” (John 3:27 b). John explained that all gifts and success come from God. He knew that his job was given to him by God, and he was not jealous of Jesus’ growing influence. John teaches us to be content and grateful for what God gives us. v. 28: John reminded them, “You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him’” (John 3:28 c). John always told people he was not the Messiah, but only sent to prepare the way for Jesus. He did not want to take any glory for himself but pointed everyone to Christ. v. 29: John used an example: “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete” . John said that Jesus is like the bridegroom, and God’s people are his bride. John is only the friend of the bridegroom—he is happy to see Jesus take his place. This shows John’s humility and joy at Jesus’ success. v. 30: John said, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30 d). This is the main lesson: as Jesus’ work grows, John’s work must decrease. John was glad to step back so that Jesus would be honored. We should learn from John not to seek attention for ourselves, but to point others to Christ. v. 31: John explained, “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all” (John 3:31 e). Jesus is from heaven and has authority over everyone. John, as a human, can only speak from what he knows on earth, but Jesus brings the message of heaven. v. 32: John continued, “He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony” (John 3:32 f). Jesus speaks God’s truth, but most people do not accept his message. Still, Jesus tells us what he knows directly from God. v. 33: “Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful” . People who believe Jesus’ words show by their faith that they trust God’s truth. Accepting Jesus is the same as accepting God’s message. v. 34: “For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit” (John 3:34 g). Jesus speaks God’s own words, because he is filled with the Holy Spirit completely. Jesus is unique because God’s Spirit is given to him without limit. v. 35: “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands” (John 3:35 h). God the Father loves Jesus and has given him all power and authority. v. 36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” (John 3:36 i). John finishes with a warning and a promise: if you believe in Jesus, you have eternal life; if you reject him, you remain under God’s judgment. The only way to be saved is to believe in God’s Son.
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