Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction: In Matthew 16:13 Jesus poses to his disciples one of the most important questions ever asked.

Read… and explain… Even Herod thought that Jesus was a resurrected John the Baptist.

And so.. as John the apostle writes his gospel he has given repeated clarity in the first chapter concerning the distinction between John the Baptist and Jesus.

He leaves no room for error or confusion.

So… we come to John 3:22-26…

As we have been working our way through the gospel of John, it is no accident that we come to the passage we are focusing on today.

This being the day we celebrate Jesus’ incarnation and entrance to the earth as a baby in a manger, is also the day we are being offered confidence, courage, and even caution about the reality of the gift that Jesus is to humanity.

Transition: In John 3:22-36, John the Apostle is presenting the testimony of John the Baptist as further validation to the identity of Jesus in order to drive away doubt and deliver the gift of faith so that those who believe can enjoy life through the name of Christ.

He begins by setting the context of John the Baptist’s testimony in 3:22-26

The Context

After: (vs 22-24)

Argument: (vs 25)

All: (vs 26)

Who is John the Baptist?

Answer: (vs 27)

Announcement: (vs 28)

Analogy: (vs 29)

Application: (vs 30) Knowing who we are in relationship to Jesus gives us a confident purpose for living.

True joy in life will be the result of making much of Jesus.

This is opposite of our natural and cultural inclinations.

We think significance, and joy in life will come when we make our mark, become more popular, go viral, become an influence, have millions of followers....

But even in this example of John the Baptist, Jesus said of him there isn’t a man born greater than him… however, the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him.

John understood his role.

He understood his identity in relationship to Jesus .

And he lived in the way that we must if we ever want to make a mark that lasts beyond our last breath, Jesus must increase… I must decrease.

Transition: Before we move on I want to offer you a weapon to fight against to obstacle of doubt.

The Holy Spirit inspired the apostle John to write this gospel so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that believing we might have life in His name.

And so as he writes he is confronting the many obstacles that deter people away from faith in Christ.

He confronts the enemies of faith.

For example, as we have already observed there is the obstacle of an incomplete understanding like Nathanael, the obstacle of old wine as Jesus turned water into wine, the obstacle of idolatry as Jesus cleansed the temple, The obstacle of false faith as Jesus did not entrust Himself to the many who believed when they saw the signs he was doing at Passover, the obstacle of religious pride as Jesus rebukes Nicodemus the teacher of Israel, and now we come again to John the Baptist.

At this point in John’s gospel we see him full of faith.

However, it’s not long after this that he too was tempted with doubt.

See Matthew chapter 11. (Explain) The weapon for us to fight against the temptation of doubt is the True identity and works of Christ.

This is exactly what is revealed to us in John 3:31-35.

Who is Jesus?

1. Authority: (vs 31)

A. Above All

Point- Since Jesus has come from Heaven to earth (1:14) He is above all.

2. Activity: (vs 32-35)

B. True witness

Point-To agree with Jesus is to agree with God because Jesus is the Son of God and has been sent by the Father that whoever receives Jesus’ words are receiving the words of God.

Am I a true believer?

Conclusion: Verse 36 poses the question to each of us.

It is a great encouragement and confidence to those who believe.

It is a great caution and warning to those who do not.

To receive Christ by faith is to receive the best gift ever offered to mankind.

To not obey the Son of God is to remain under God’s wrath.

Who do you identify with in this passage?

The Jew who wants to argue about purification?

John’s disciples who need further clarity about Christ and why it’s okay for His kingdom to flourish even if it seems like ours is not.

Maybe you even identify with John the Baptist, who confesses the truth about Christ and understanding the only only way to have eternal joy is to live in a way that Jesus increases and we decrease.

And later, needing to be reminded of this truth.

Or… do you identify with Jesus.

Acknowledging His authority as the bridegroom of the church.

The Son of God.

The Messiah from Heaven.

The true witness.

Will you receive Christ today?

And if you have, will you obey Him?

Will you walk with the fulness of joy by making much of Jesus?