A New Baptism
Notes
Transcript
INTRODUCTION
We are in the section of John’s gospel that emphasizes “newness.”
Last week—Jesus’s middle of the night conversation with Nicodemus about “new birth.”
After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.
Jesus is not the one who is baptizing. The phrase “was baptizing” is actually in the 3rd person—so, John is telling us that it is most likely Jesus’s disciples who have been authorized to baptize and Jesus is overseeing.
(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples),
So, Jesus’ ministry is growing in scope and in impact.
John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison).
Location—this is in the heart of Samaria which John uses as to set us up for the narrative in chapter 4 of Jesus’s meeting with the woman at the well.
Aenon—“springs” // people are constantly coming and being baptized.
“…not yet been put in prison…” — Matthew 14
Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification.
Purification—the extremes the Jews would go to (hand washings, etc)
So, there are two possibilities for this point of “discussion” or “dispute.”
Jewish purification vs. John’s baptism
John’s baptism vs. Jesus’s baptism — most likely the case
And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”
A little bit of jealousy?
John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.”
So, John is continuing to deflect attention away from himself. Remember, he has been doing this ever since Jesus came onto the scene—REFER BACK TO 1:19-34
John knows that his role is to bear witness about Christ—that he is the Son of God who has come to take away the sins of the world. John tells his disciples—“you know that I have never tried to make myself the main character/tried to take center-stage.
“I have been sent”—John is LIVING SENT—sound familiar???
vs. 29-30—BRIDEGROOM ILLUSTRATION—the “friend of the bridegroom” is what we would call the “best man” at a wedding. In Jewish weddings, it was his duty to oversee the details. He played an important part because he took care of all the practical needs and made everything ready for the wedding festivities. He was in charge of getting the bride ready, overseeing the purification rites, and leading the procession that brought the bride to the groom’s house for the ceremony. The purpose of the friend was to deflect attention to the groom and to lead all preparatory events, then disappear when the groom arrived.
John has done his job—fulfilled his calling—and now his joy is complete.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — Jesus must become greater/more important, but I must be made smaller/less important.
Now, we can’t miss this…John isn’t just putting on a false humility. He is completely surrendered and submissive to the divine/sovereign plan of God.
The word, “must,” is the Greek word, “dei,” which means that is God’s will/His plan that this should happen. So, in other words, John the Baptist is saying, “It is the predetermined plan and will of God that Jesus be magnified and that He increase…and it is his predetermined plan and will that I decrease.” John is just falling in line with what God has decreed.
Now, John the Apostle, the author of this gospel, is going to take over the “narration.”
He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all.
The supremacy of Christ over all things. John is drawing a clear line…Jesus is Lord and sovereign…we are not. He has all authority…we are under his authority.
As the one who came from heaven, Jesus is supreme over everyone and everything on earth.
As the one who came from heaven, Jesus is supreme over everyone and everything on earth.
He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true.
As the one who came from heaven, Jesus is supremely qualified to deliver heavenly truths of what he has seen and heard.
As the one who came from heaven, Jesus is supremely qualified to deliver heavenly truths of what he has seen and heard.
If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.
As the one sent from heaven, and equipped by the Spirit without measure, Jesus faithfully communicates God’s words.
As the one sent from heaven, and equipped by the Spirit without measure, Jesus faithfully communicates God’s words.
The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.
As the object of the Father’s love, Jesus has been given dominion over all creation.
As the object of the Father’s love, Jesus has been given dominion over all creation.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
As the recipient of universal dominion, Jesus has authority to give eternal life or the judgment of God’s wrath.
As the recipient of universal dominion, Jesus has authority to give eternal life or the judgment of God’s wrath.
everyone must make the choice…
My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
I address my verses to the king;
my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
grace is poured upon your lips;
therefore God has blessed you forever.
Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
in your splendor and majesty!
In your majesty ride out victoriously
for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
Your arrows are sharp
in the heart of the king’s enemies;
the peoples fall under you.
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
