“HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE”–JOHN 3:22-36–LESSON 8
Introduction:
Jesus had now gone to the land of Judah outside of Jerusalem, v. 22, “After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.” The Son of God traveled much during His public ministry.
Matthew Henry says, “The Sun of righteousness took a large circuit to diffuse his light and heat, Ps. 19:6, ‘His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.’”
I. JESUS WAS MAKING DISCIPLES AND BAPTIZING THEM
A. Jesus’ public ministry begins to bring fruit.
B. He fulfills what later was to become the Great Commission, Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
1. Make disciples, v. 19.
2. Baptize those disciples, v. 19.
3. Teach them to observe all things in the Scriptures, v. 20.
C. “It is noted (v. 24) that John was not yet cast into prison, to clear the order of the story, and to show that these passages are to come in before Mark. 6:24.” (Matthew Henry)
II. A QUESTION FROM JOHN’S DISCIPLES, vs. 25-29
A. He to whom you bare witness… v. 26.
1. He baptizes.
2. All men come to him.
B. This is given unto Him from heaven, vs. 27-29.
1. This is the manifestation of His power from heaven, v. 27, “John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.’’
2. “I am not the Christ.” John’s work was to go ahead of the Lord and prepare a people for Him, v. 28; 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6-I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7-So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”
C. I am the friend of the Bridegroom, v. 29; Psalm 45.
1. Jesus has the bride, His Church.
2. John compares himself to the friend of the bridegroom, who attends upon him, to do him honour and service, speaks a good word for him, and uses his interest on his behalf.
III. “HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE
A. John sees clearly his mission and purpose, v. 30.
1. “The friends of the bridegroom must stand, and hear the bridegroom’s voice; must receive instructions from him, and attend his orders; must desire to have proofs of Christ speaking in them, and with them (2 Cor. 13:3); that is the bridegroom’s voice.
2. “The espousing (to give one’s loyalty or support to (a cause, for example); adopt.) of souls to Jesus Christ, in faith and love, is the fulfilling of the joy of every good minister.
If the day of Christ’s espousals be the day of the gladness of his heart, it cannot but be of theirs too who love him and wish well to his honour and kingdom. Surely they have no greater joy.” (Matthew Henry).
B. “I must decrease.” John knew that his ministry was coming to a close and he pointed his disciples to Jesus Christ the Savior.
IV. “HE THAT COMETH FROM HEAVEN IS ABOVE ALL
A. John instructs his disciples regarding the dignity of Christ’s person, v. 31, “He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.”
1. He speaks of divine origin.
2. He infers to His divine sovereignty.
B. The Father has placed all things in His hands, vs. 32-36.
1. Jesus testifies of what the Father has put in His heart, v. 32.
2. He that receives that testimony “hath set to his seal that God is true,” v. 33.
C. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” v. 36.
LESSON 9 TO FOLLOW: