John the Baptist Exalts Jesus- John 3:22-36

Jesus’ disciples began baptizing people.

Today, a rivalry begins. Jesus is traveling around with his disciples and teaching. His disciples begin baptizing people. John the Baptist’s disciples hear about it and get upset. They are losing some of their followers to Jesus. They go and tell John.

Once again, we get a front row view of John’s humility. He tells them that he and Jesus have gifts given to them from God, so there is no place for envy. He is content to serve with what he has been given. He reminds them that he has told them from the very beginning that he is not the Christ, but someone sent ahead to prepare the way.

He then goes on to say that it is the bridegroom who marries the bride.  The bridegroom is the most important man at the wedding. The best man is happy to stand there and hear the vows. The best man is there to help, not to be in the spotlight. John says his joy is now complete.

John then goes on to say that Jesus must become more and John must become less. These are such wise words. So often, we can get enthralled with some kind of Biblical teacher, preacher or writer. We have a tendency to follow their teachings and their philosophies. We buy their books. We often forget, that while these people may have the ability to shine brilliant light on the Bible or on God, they are just teachers and helpers. The light has to shine on Jesus, not on man. John is a perfect example of humility, graciousness and truth.

John then goes on to say that people are from earth and can only speak as people from earth. Jesus is from heaven. He testifies from divine experience. When anyone accepts Jesus’ testimony, they accept the truth that Jesus came from heaven and that God was acting in him for the world’s salvation.

John ends this discussion by saying that, “The Father loves the Son and has put everything in his hands.” That means Jesus has the wheel, if we give it to him. If we believe, Jesus is in charge, a fact I find very comforting. He then paraphrases Jesus’ earlier words that whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. But, then John goes a little bit further.

He says, “Whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath will remain on him.” God’s wrath is a strong expression and is only found in this Gospel. It means that God is actively opposed to everything evil. The wrath will not fade away; it is permanent. John the Baptist is telling his followers that Jesus is the only way to eternal life, period. He has been preparing the way and hopefully, preparing his own disciples for Jesus, but this is it. Jesus is the real deal and they need to accept him, just as John has.

What do you think about today’s scripture? I’d love to hear from you.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂