Nov 22, 2020
Scripture Reading: John 3:22-36
John paints two portraits in this section of his gospel. Both are wonderful, but one is more wondrous. One portrait is an example to follow and the other portrait is a witness of divinity which we may not and cannot possess.
What we see here is a sterling example of humility. John the Baptizer is being compared, by his own disciples, to Jesus in His growing popularity. John recognizes his place, which is secondary to Jesus' primacy. He says, "I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him" (Jn 3: 28) … "The friend of the bridegroom . . . rejoices at the bridegrooms' voice" (Jn 3:29) . . . "He must increase, but I must decrease" (Jn 3:30). This man is wonderfully humble and a great encouragement to follow his example.
On the other hand, in this section, we have the exaltation of Christ as He is lauded in the grandest terms. "He who comes from above is above all" (Jn 3:31) . . . "He whom God has sent utters the words of God" (Jn 3:34) . . . "The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand" (Jn 3:35). Jesus is lauded in the highest way.
One application of this passage is that Christ is the source of deep and abiding pleasure. "The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete" (Jn 3:30). We were made to long for joy … and the ultimate fulfillment of this longing is only Jesus.