The Gospel of John: John 3:22-36

John 3:22-36

Title: John bears witness of Jesus Christ.

Analysis:

                As we conclude chapter three of the Gospel of John we come to the beginning of the end of John the Baptists ministry. As John himself knew, the time had come for the ministry of Jesus Christ to take center stage in the world. John himself was the herald, and now that the King had made Himself known, John stepped aside.
                In the text we see that John is still, “…baptizing in Aenon near Salim…” John’s ministry was still active at this time, but as the verse 24 states, “…for John had not yet been thrown into prison.” It would not be too much longer until John is imprisoned and eventually killed by Herod.
                While John was baptizing, we see that there was a discussion between some men as they wondered why people were going to Jesus instead of John for baptism. It seems as though these men are concerned that Jesus was baptizing more men than John and are asking John if Jesus was in competition with him.
                John the Baptist understands this, and wastes no time in getting to the heart of their questions. In the subsequent verses (vs. 28 – 36) John explains to them saying, “…I am not the Christ….” (vs. 28), “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (vs. 30), and “He who comes from above is above all…” (vs. 31)John clearly explains to these men that there is no competition between himself and Christ, rather John points to Christ and rejoices when men choose to follow after Him.

                After explaining that the Lord must increase, John now commits the rest of his dialogue to explain that Jesus is from God, He is first in this world, and that all who believe in Him will have eternal life. John says that Jesus is from above, but man would not receive His testimony. God gave the Son a seal so that man would know he is true, while also giving Him the, “Spirit without measure.” The Father loves his Son and sent Him into this world for a very specific purpose. This purpose is clearly explained in verse 36. It says, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

                Jesus has come so that He may increase and be glorified before His Father who is in heaven. One way that Christ can increase is through the salvation of lost sinners, who will enter heaven and forever worship Him. John the Baptist testifies strongly that Jesus is the Christ and that all who believe in Him will have eternal life, while all those who do not believe will be under God’s wrath forever.       

Response:

                As I studied this passage, it is very evident that John the Baptist was a man of great humility. He points even His own disciples to the Lord and acknowledges that only Jesus is worthy of praise and glory. Verse 30 sums up the entire passage as it reads, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John understood who Jesus was, and that he had a purpose to come into this world. All who believed in Him would have eternal life, so it was natural for John to show people the man who could save their souls. I realise also that I need to be a man of humility. I must point my life towards Christ in the way I live, speak, and act so that His name will be glorified and others will come to believe in Him. 

Blessings,
           Lucas C.