*John 3:22-36
John the Baptist affirms Jesus’ superiority as the Son of God who offers eternal life to believers.
- Ministry in Judea:
- After this conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus and His disciples travel to the Judean countryside, where He spends time baptizing.
- John’s Continuing Ministry:
- John the Baptist also remains in the region, baptizing at Aenon near Salim because there is plenty of water there.
- Discussion with John’s Disciples:
- A dispute arises between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over purification.
- They come to John and inform him that Jesus, whom he testified about, is also baptizing and that everyone is going to Him.
- John’s Response:
- John reaffirms his role as the forerunner to the Messiah, stating that he rejoices greatly because of Jesus’ increasing ministry and influence.
- Decrease of John, Increase of Jesus:
- John explains that he must decrease while Jesus must increase, highlighting the supremacy of Jesus’ ministry over his own.
- Jesus’ Authority from God:
- John affirms that Jesus is from above and is above all, bearing witness to what He has seen and heard.
- Rejection and Acceptance:
- John declares that whoever believes in Jesus has eternal life, while those who reject Him will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on them.
John 3:22-36 teaches us the importance of humility and putting Jesus first. John the Baptist understood that his mission was not to gain attention for himself but to point people to Jesus. He said, “He must become greater; I must become less.” This reminds us that our lives should focus on honoring Jesus rather than seeking personal fame or success. True joy comes when we let Jesus lead and trust in Him completely, knowing that He alone gives eternal life.
John 3:22-36 (WEB)
3:22 After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them and baptized. 23 John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came and were baptized; 24 for John was not yet thrown into prison. 25 Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jews about purification. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, he baptizes, and everyone is coming to him.”27 John answered, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore my joy is made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.31 “He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. 33 He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. 36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”