Tuesday morning greetings to you, my friend. Let us praise Our Good God for this day He has given us!
Read John 3:25 – 36.
This passage is contained in the same chapter as likely the best-known single verse in the entire Gospel record. And sometimes, these ‘focus’ verses can cause us to overlook the adjacent Spirit-breathed text. That might be the case with today’s reading, which contains the exaltation of Jesus by the man we commonly know as John the Baptist. The Baptist was highly regarded by Jesus Himself, who said of him: “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11).
So, let’s see what John the Baptist had to say, particularly about Our Lord Jesus:
In vv 27, John says that everything – everything – that a man possesses is literally a gift from heaven. And this passage is all about that most important gift that any of us can receive: “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6).
In vv 29, the Baptist positions himself as ‘friend of the bridegroom’ with Jesus being the actual bridegroom. Through this statement, John is minimizing his ministry to point everyone to Messiah, while at the same time declaring that Jesus is truly God. The Jews hearing John’s words clearly understood that The Father had declared that He was the Husband of Israel: “For your Maker is your husband, The LORD of hosts is His name” (Isaiah 54). By proclaiming Jesus as the bridegroom, John the Baptist was announcing that Jesus is indeed God incarnate.
vv 30 is one of the most recognized statements made by The Baptizer: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”. This simple declaration actually serves as a profound series of lessons for every Believer. In just a few words, John is speaking to us about sanctification – “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” (II Timothy 2); about being filled by the Lord – “to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3); and about becoming more complete in Jesus – “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 3).
This concept of the decrease of self and the increase of the influence of Jesus in every Believer’s life is a key tenant of our faith. It speaks of a dynamic, purposeful, and directional life with and in and through Our Lord. Our relationship with Jesus should be one of continuous growth: in our intimacy with Him; in our knowledge of Him; in our desire to follow His commandments; and in our love for Him.
God willing, we will finish up with our examination of John the Baptist’s exaltation of Jesus tomorrow morning.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the eternal life that You came to give me. Help me to decrease, so that You can increase in every part of my life. And help me to walk worthy of You today. Amen!