John 3:22-36

Jesus Must Increase

The passage is divided into 2 parts. First, the increasing popularity of Jesus and secondly, the increasing joy of John.

I. The increasing popularity of Jesus (vv.22-26)

Introduction: vv.22-24 Jesus and his disciples went to Judea. He was spending time with his disciples and baptizing (v.22), John the Baptist was also baptizing nearby.

Both John and Jesus had disciples, large crowds followed both of them, and both baptized. Both were very popular.

John did not think of retiring now that Jesus has started His public ministry.

John the Baptist continued his mission until the end of his life.

Self: You retire when God calls you home!

Problem: vv.25-26. John’s disciples were angry and jealous that more people are going to Jesus to be baptized. John’d disciples had argument/debate/dispute with a JEW about ceremonial washing (Baptism) and they see themselves at a disadvantage. It maybe that the Jew is contrasting John and Jesus’s baptism and find that the baptism of Jesus is better that of John. So, they came to John to inform him of what they think is a big problem - we are losing people! In effect, they are saying to John, what are going to do about it Rabbi? This person named Jesus is becoming more popular than you?

Here is the problem; John’s disciples were interested in John’s movement but were not committed to Jesus. Ministry becomes problematic when we are committed to the ministry but not to Jesus.

Ministry becomes problematic when it becomes a numbers game.

Ministry becomes problematic when we think we are better than the others who are also doing the Lord’s work.

Self: Commitment to Jesus first then love for the ministry will follow.

Self: Ministry is not a number game. Do not grumble when people leave the church. Let the people go when and where they want to go in order to grow and serve Christ in a church (valid reasons)

Self: Those whom God has given to the local church, teach them that ministry is not a numbers game.

Proper Response: we must have a kingdom mindset -we work together for the Kingdom regardless of what denomination and other minor differences.

II. The increasing joy of John the Baptist (vv.27-36)

John’s disciples missed the point. What they perceived as competition to John’s mission, John saw as completion of his ministry.

In vv.27-36. John explained to his followers why he is not alarmed but instead joyful that people are coming to Jesus.

John know that it is the will of God (given from heaven) for Jesus to become more popular than him. There is no need for him to promote himself or compete with Jesus. John knew his role in life.

John knew he had nothing apart from God. Any abilities, gifts, or ministry he possessed came directly as a gift from his heavenly Father.

Reflect on this: This is true to us as well, if there is any area in which you excel, it is solely because God sovereignly and graciously gave you the necessary desires, abilities, and provisions. Truly, God uses and blesses us not because of who we are but in spite of who we are!

- He knows that He is only a messenger SENT ahead to prepare the way for the Christ (vv.27-28)

Self: Know your identity and purpose - You are God’s child and a messenger of God, to point people to God.

Knowing your identity and purpose will keep you from being troubled by the numbers game and other trivial things in life (fame, wealth, power, influence).

- In v.29, John illustrates his role using the imagery of a wedding: He sees himself as the friend of the bridge groom (the best man) who rejoices for the bridegroom. He said, “The joy of mine is complete.” To see the bridegroom (Jesus) united with His bride (church).

Self: Rejoice when people go to Jesus! Rejoice when Jesus is worshipped in other churches. I believe that It is a sign of true godliness and Christian maturity when we can rejoice in God’s blessing on the ministry of others.

Climax: v.30 . Notice John’s response because this is the most important part of the passage.

John summarized his view of himself in relation to Jesus in perhaps the most humble statement uttered by anyone in Scripture:

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

This is the mindset of a person who understands his identity and purpose in life. He understands that his life is not about him anymore. He is contented to be on the sideline seeing His friend and savior becoming more popular to the people because that would mean more people are being saved as they encounter Jesus. It is a “must” as God designed and willed it to be and John joyfully accepts it.

In vv.31-35. John clarified why Jesus is greater than him and why Jesus must increase:

- Jesus is from heaven (divine origin, infinite) while he is from earth (mortal and finite (v.31)

- Jesus have seen Father, he has not (vv.32)

- Jesus speaks the Words of God (v.34). He merely echoes them.

- The Father gives All things (authority, power ) to Jesus (v.35)

Conclusion: v.36. But John the Baptist faded from the scene, he gave an invitation and a warning. He set forth the only two choices available to lost sinners: “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

John echoes the words of Jesus in John 3:16-17.

John believed in Jesus as his savior and what he proclaimed, he was able to apply it in his life that is why he was not afraid to proclaim Christ even to the point of death. He was beheaded for rebuking King Herod Antipas, of his immoral relationship with his niece Herodias.

Exegetical Idea:

Jesus must increase because He alone has the power and authority to save.

As followers of Jesus, we must continue to seek the glory of Jesus in our lives by pointing people to Jesus and to rejoice when people commits their lives to Jesus.

Proper Response:

I. Jesus must increase in our hearts - commitment to Jesus first and above all!

It’s easy for us to fall into the busyness of the ministry and the different programs in the church that we fail to forget the basin foundation of why we do what we do in the church - our commitment to the one who saved us.

The commitment of the church, the bride of Christ, is not to the programs and activities, but to Christ himself, the bridegroom.

How?

Increasing knowledge of Jesus - know who Jesus is and His grace.

Increasing depth of faith in Jesus - knowledge believed in and treasured.

Effect:

Increasing joy of seeing people coming to Jesus - knowing our identity and purpose as people belonging to God and as God’s ambassador to the world, we will have the joy to point people to Christ.