All sermons preached by the webmaster may be freely copied, printed and distributed. We ask only that the site name and homepage URL be included in all copies distributed. Thankyou.
This morning we continue our studies in the Gospel of John chapter three, and Lord willing complete the chapter this morning.
We have previously commented on the purpose of the Gospel according to John, and considered briefly his stated purpose in John 20:31, ‘But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.’
In the passage under consideration this morning, the apostle John is once again concerned with this very purpose as he sets out to distinguish the ministry of Jesus from that of all other ministries, even that of the greatest of the prophets, John the Baptist.
The apostle in this passage is pointing out to his readers the superiority of Christ, that this man is not just an ordinary man - that He is much more than this. John the Baptist of course pails into insignificance, and rightly so when contrasted with Christ.
So let’s have a bit of a look at this passage together.
#1. An Argument Reveals Resentment
After the meeting with Nicodemus that we have considered over the last few weeks Jesus moves his ministry into the more rural areas of Judea. Just when this happened after the meeting is not clear, as the time indicated in verse 22 is more indefinite then the times indicated earlier in the book, such as ‘the following day (1:29,43)’, or ‘on the third day (2:1)’, etc; but it is more than likely that Jesus went into the country areas not that long after He had met with Nicodemus.
The verse does indicate however that Jesus stayed in the area for some period of time, and that He exercised a ministry that included baptism. Just what exactly all this means is not entirely clear - perhaps the baptism of Jesus pointed to His purpose in coming to earth, but John 4:2 tells us that ‘Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples.’ In fact John 4:1 tells us that ‘Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.’
Though Jesus Himself did not baptise any, His ministry was now drawing more people than John the Baptist’s was.
During this same period of time, John the Baptist was continuing his ministry of baptism, now removed to a place southwest of Bethany, ‘And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison (3:23,24).’
What this means for us is that what we have read and studied so far of Jesus’ ministry in John, has all taken place before what is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, for they begin to record the ministry of Jesus from the time of John’s imprisonment (cf Mt 4:11,12; Mk 1:13,14; Lk 4:13,14). And so there is this overlapping period, where the ministry of the Forerunner and the Messiah occur together - so what we are considering this morning is a period of transition, where the ministry of the Baptist is giving way to that of the Messiah.
‘Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him (3:25,26)’
With periods of transition, seemingly no matter what the context, there always seems to be these periods of turmoil and difficulty. Whether it be from one government in Australia to another, from Labor to Liberal or vice versa, or whatever it might be - there are always these transitional problems, ‘he does things this way, and I prefer the way thingo did it, and this ways no good’, and so on. What is the cause of such troubles - bitterness of defeat, jealousies, envy, pride, etc.
With the transition of the Baptist’s ministry to that of the Messiah’s, the very same sort of forces are at work, bitterness, jealousies, envies, and so on.
Perhaps the dispute that arose out there at Aenon was over who had the superior ministry - ‘John’s is the best.’ ‘No, Jesus is better,’ and so on. The same sort of thing happened later with the apostle Paul you might remember.
‘And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal (1 Corinthians 3:1-4)?’
And how often do we see this in churches today - God raises up a new preacher who soon eclipses the incumbent preacher in popularity, and deep splits emerge, and fights erupt - jealousies, envies, strife's, bitterness, and so on. Behaviour that ought to have no place in the Church of God, but it seems to happen almost all the time.
So it would seem that the disciples of John believed that the ministry of Jesus was one that was competitive to John’s, and now that more were going to Jesus to be baptised, He was definitely viewed as a threat to the very existence of the ministry of John. And so these same forces became evident in the camp of the Baptist’s, and in these Jews who had perhaps experienced the ministry of Jesus at some time in Judea (though the best MSS speak of a Jew).
That John was being eclipsed by this Jesus, by this upstart - well, that just wasn’t right, and so the disciples of John go to John to complain, and perhaps to attempt to stir up John to respond to this threat in some way. ‘John, your loosing ground to this Jesus, the very one about whom you said so many good things, everyone is going to him now - you must do something.’
Of course the bitter hearts of these disciples exaggerated the success of the baptism of Jesus, for clearly not everyone was going to Him - though certainly more were going to Jesus. Some were indeed still going to John, but his ministry was fading.
What did these disciples expect John to do? Should he go to Jesus and rebuke Him? Perhaps John should seek to put a bit more spark into his ministry and introduce some more contemporary forms of attraction, entertainment and worship? Perhaps John should manipulate the crowds a little so that they would come to him?
What would John do? What would you do under similar circumstances?
Well the answer of the Baptist would certainly surprise his disciples.
#2. The Role of John the Baptist
Instead of rounding up a posse to go and confront Jesus about moving in on his turf, John displays a totally different attitude and approach to the situation - one which no doubt took his disciples by surprise.
‘John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him (3:27,28).’
‘Guys, everyone has a role to play in God’s purpose, and you know that I very clearly told you that I am not the Messiah, but the Forerunner.’
What an answer, the disciples of John had been put in their place, and would now be suitably rebuked by this humble servant of God. This man was not after any personal prestige at all, but seeking to fulfil the role he was called to play within the divine purpose, and his mind was set on that goal.
This man had no designs for personal glory, or for making a name for himself - he was content to fulfil the role to which he was called, that of being the Forerunner to the Messiah. This was the privilege that was given to him to fulfil; it was an honour for him to serve the Messiah in this way and had nothing whatsoever to do with personal glory or merit.
‘For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it (1 Cor 4:7)?’
John the Baptist knew that the only reason he had his current role was because God had called and equipped him for it - God could have chosen someone else. What made John the Baptist different - God’s choice and calling.
Do you have a role in the Kingdom of God to fulfil - you have not earned that role, it has been given to you as a privilege to fulfil. There is nothing extra special about you, nothing that makes you greater than anyone else - the thing that makes you to differ from everyone else in the Church is the role you play, and that has been given to you as a gift and a privilege of grace.
Am I anything special because I minister to you as the Pastor of this church? No. Was John the Baptist anything special in his generation? No. We have what we have as the gift and privilege from God, and without it we would be as nothing. Each Christian has a role to play, some more prominent, some not as clearly seen - but all these gifts and privileges come from above.
‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith (Romans 12:3-6).’
Don’t go getting head swells because your role might be this or that in the Church, it could just have easily been the person next to you who received that role to play, for it all depends on God’s gracious gift and purpose, ‘dividing to every man severally as he will (1 Cor 12:11)’, and this not according to personal merit at all.
You each have a role to play, none more or less important than the other, even though some appear more up front. ‘But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body (1 Cor 12:18,19)?’
The disciples of John should have expected the demise of the Baptist, and the rise of Jesus, for John had testified to this, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him (3:28).’
What was John’s role in all of this, his role in events being played out in Judea - That of the Forerunner to Christ. ‘He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light (1:8).’ ‘This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me (1:15).’ ‘I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias (1:23).’ ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (1:29).’
He pointed the way to Christ, it is Christ to whom men must go for life - they must turn from sin to Him and live.
Obviously ‘He must increase, but I must decrease (3:30).’ As the Forerunner to the Messiah I must move away from the scene so that all are directed to Him, for this is God’s ‘must’, His plan for this time. Now that Messiah is here, I really have no more role to play - the limelight must now fall on Him. Could this not be the reason why God in His eternal purpose removed John the Baptist from the scene through Herod’s persecution? The focus must be on Jesus, not on the Baptist.
‘He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled (3:29).’
This simple picture that John paints for his disciples tells them of his role. Jesus is the bridegroom, those going to Jesus the bride, and he is Jesus’ friend. His role is complete, fulfilled - his work done. People are going to Jesus, and this thrills him, his task is accomplished.
The news of men, women, and children flocking to Christ was no disappointment or cause of concern for John - it was the joy of seeing his ministry completed successfully.
That will be the crowning joy of my ministry, people going to Christ, not looking upon me but He. Then will my joy be complete, my mission from God accomplished.
#3. The Superiority of Christ
The disciples of John were undoubtedly stunned by this reply, so what John does now is seek to explain to these men why ‘He must increase, but I must decrease (3:30),’ to explain why men must go to Christ rather than to him.
Why must it be this way - because of the superiority of Christ. ‘You guys listen, you think my ministry is it, but in reality it is nothing in contrast to that of Jesus. He is far superior to me, and now I will show you how.’
‘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 (3:31).’
‘This man of whom you speak is from heaven, He is God Himself - His origin is Heaven, He is God. I am from the earth; I have an earthly origin. He speaks as one who has the authority of God, the knowledge and wisdom of God, I am limited because I am just a man of the earth, of course He must increase, but I must decrease.’
John the Baptist had no right to go beyond the realm of his calling, he could not challenge the Christ, and so he would not - ‘He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose (1:27).’ John was content for Jesus ministry to eclipse his, for it was the way it should be. He was not the Christ; his role was to direct men to He who came to dwell among men for a time.
‘And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true (3:32,33).’
Not only is He superior because of His origin, but Jesus testifies with what is always perfect knowledge, for He knows everything altogether. What John spoke concerning the Messiah was true, yet he taught as He was taught - not so Jesus, His knowledge was firsthand. ‘I speak that which I have seen with my Father (8:38).’
‘No one receives His testimony,’ but I tell you guys those who have received it acknowledge that what God says about His Son is true - He is the Son of God. No one speaks as this man speaks - you don’t need me anymore, go to Jesus for His ministry is superior to mine - go to the Source of Light itself rather than to one who receives light from Him, and who is a mere reflection of the Light.
‘For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him (3:34).’
Jesus is superior to the ministry of John the Baptist because He always speaks the Words of God. Jesus did not have a small degree, or limited measure of the Spirit for being united to God He always enjoys the fullness of the Spirit - He is God of very God. When He speaks, God speaks.
‘The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand (3:35).’
There is a special relationship between the Father and Jesus, that of Divine love of the Father for the Son, and because of this special bond Jesus is over all, He is Sovereign.
Why should the people be stopped from going to Jesus? Why lament the fading light of John’s ministry? Oh that the disciples would see the superiority of Jesus and His ministry - how would John’s joy be extended beyond measure.
And this morning this is what I long for - that you would look beyond my ministry, beyond the ministry of which ever preacher or pastor you revere, to he who has the superior ministry - even Christ Himself.
We all have a role to play, those who are faithful pastors and preachers who all seek to tell you the truth as we have learnt it from the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit - but we are limited as men, and especially as sinful men. But Jesus, He is the transcendent God who is over all and who controls all - why should we be jealous when He receives all the credit, all the glory, all the followers - that is our role, and we are happy it is so.
If someone goes to another church following the Lord in truth, that’s fine - they are the Lord’s disciples not yours, or mine. That He would increase and I decrease, that people would recognise Him more and me less. His is the superior ministry.
‘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 (3:36).’
No one would gain everlasting life by believing in John the Baptist and his ministry - Oh that John’s disciples would also go to Christ! ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’ He has already tried to get his disciples to realise this - some listened, but if these men don’t stop hanging off John’s coat strings they will never be saved - go to Jesus!
Don’t allow yourselves to get so caught up on any earthly ministry that you despise the ministry of Jesus and what He has done - for if you forsake that you shall surely perish.
I plead with you this morning, cling not to any man, but to Christ alone. Yes, such and such a Pastor may have been a great blessing to you - but he is nothing when contrasted with Christ. If he is a faithful Pastor he will be wrapped that you have sought out Christ, even to have left the Pastor behind you in your wake.
What more can I say to you - Christ is all, above all, go to Him for all, even spiritual life. If you don’t go to Him you shall surely perish. May God be gracious to you, and draw you unto Himself.
Outpost
Homepage
JOHN SERMONS
SERMONS
PAGE
NEXT SERMON IN SERIES
TOP
10/10/2006
AN OUTPOST PRODUCTION