Day 9 - John 3:22-36
13 Jan 2017
As we read through John’s gospel we need to keep remembering why it was written. John did not write his gospel merely to inform us - he wants us to worship Jesus. He wants us to “believe that Jesus is the Christ, and that by believing we may have life in his name.” One of the ways he helps us do this is by showing us people who did believe.
We have already met John the Baptist back in chapter 1, and our attention returns to him. Now Jesus has begun his public ministry does John still feel the same way about him? Some of John’s disciples are concerned. People are deserting their master for Jesus. But for John, this is as it should be. John recognises the glory of Jesus Christ.
John has done his job well if people move away from him to Jesus Christ. His role was like that of a best man. If you go to a wedding and leave talking about the best man he hasn’t done his job properly! The best man serves the groom, and draws peoples attention to the bride and groom. In the same way John points the bride (the church) to the groom (Jesus).
John the Baptist is a great example of true godly humility. He does not say these things because he is not important in God’s purposes - he is. But he knows that Jesus is far more important, and everyones attention should be on him. In the same way, as we serve the Lord our desire should be that others follow Jesus rather than us.
Why can John be so certain that Jesus is worth following? John knows that Jesus has been sent from God. Just notice how many times this is emphasised in verses 31-36. He is God, and has been sent from heaven on a mission to make God known (verse 32). He has come willingly on a mission, sent by his Father, which will end with him being exalted (verse 35). John can speak God’s words indirectly as he prophesies, Jesus can speak the very words of God, telling us what he has seen and heard (verse 32).
Therefore, how we respond to Jesus is of ultimate importance. We need to believe in him - that is, place all our trust in him, and act on what he says (“obey the Son” vs 36). If we do that, we receive eternal life (remember verse 16). If we don’t - we remain with the wrath of God on us.