January 29, 2013

“Superior To All”

Blessings Folk!!

Today’s reading…

John 3:23-36

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So many things for us to see here.
Allow me to bullet point them.

• John was baptizing
• Jesus is baptizing (more later)
• Both were doing as God directed at the same time
• Some of John’s disciples had a dispute with a certain Jew concerning ceremonial washing. This was a common argument. We are told of this. They come to John and speak to him, not about the dispute, but rather about the one on the other side of the Jordan - Jesus. Curious. Did they use the dispute as an pretense to come to John to ask the real question? Probably.
• John’s disciples were worried. People were flocking to Jesus! What would happen to the “First Church of John”? Nothing changes. So many are motivated by fear, greed and jealousy within the Body. Let us learn from John’s reply.

How did John reply?

• one can not receive anything unless it is from heaven. That which was occurring with Jesus was from heaven.
• I told you I was not the Christ. You testify of that.
• I have been sent before Him.
• The one who has the Bride is the bridegroom.
• The friend of the bridegroom stands by and listens for him and rejoices when he hears the bridegroom’s voice.
• This is my joy.
• It is complete.
• He (Jesus) must become more important.
• I must become less important.

John the Apostle/Writer then gives these insights…

• The One from above is superior to all...stated twice.
• Jesus testifies about what He has seen and heard.
• No one accepts Jesus’ testimony.
• The one who does accept the testimony confirms that God is Truthful.
• Jesus, the One God sent, speaks the words of God.
• God does not give the Spirit sparingly.
• The Father loves the Son and placed all things under His authority.
• The one who believes in the Son has eternal life.
• The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but God’s wrath remains on Him

It could not be clearer.
Whether from the mouth of John the Baptist or the pen of John the Apostle.
Believe in the Son unto eternal life.
Reject the Son unto eternal wrath.

Where is your belief?