Simple Life

Simple Math John 3:22-36 ● The Main Phrase: (v 30) ● He must increase and I must decrease ● John the Baptist must fade into insignificance ● Jesus must become the significant one 1. The Problem (vv 22-26) a. (V 22) Jesus is finished speaking to Nicodemus b. He went with His disciples into Judea and was baptizing i. Why there ii. Don't overthink it: There was plenty of water there c. (V 4:2) His disciples were doing the baptizing not Jesus. Why? i. Doesn't say. ii. Maybe He was like Paul. iii. Didn't want people to get stuck on the baptizer and not the baptism. d. You have two bands of baptizers here (vv 23, 24) i. Jesus and His disciples ii. John and His disciples iii. In the same area e. (V 25) This triggers a dispute between John the Baptist's disciples i. The Jews about purification ii. It was set up by having two bands of baptizers in the same area iii. What issue did they have with purification? (We are not told) 2. The Solution (vv 27-30) a. They say to John they are all leaving you and following Him! i. Is His purification better than yours ii. Is there something wrong with your purification? b. They were on an earthly thought pattern. c. John responded unlike most people would: i. He was happy they were leaving him and following Jesus. ii. He declares: He must increase and I must decrease iii. That is not like what most people would say or how they would react. iv. This doesn't sound like the territorialism in the church. d. John then tells them why. i. This isn't a mere man they are leaving me to follow (v 27) 1. This following can only be granted from heaven 2. Nobody would be going to Jesus unless they are given to Him from heaven (6:37) ii. The bridegroom has the bride 1. The church is the bride 2. Jesus is the bridegroom iii. John says I'm just happy to be the best man 1. I am rejoicing they are leaving me and going to Him 2. This makes me happy beyond all measure (joy fulfilled) iv. He must increase, I must decrease 1. The exaltation of Christ is John's mission 2. Application: Is it your mission? 3. The Reason (vv 31-36) a. In these verses, John the Baptist gave 5 reasons for Christ's superiority to him: i. Christ had a heavenly origin (v. 31); 1. He is above all 2. He outranks me ii. Christ knew what was true by firsthand experience (v. 32) 1. He speaks from first hand experience because he came from heaven 2. He is a primary source; I am a secondary source iii. Christ's testimony always agreed with God (v. 33) 1. His testimony comes from God 2. God confirms His testimony a. Man may not b. But God does c. Who knows the truth? God or man? d. It matters not whether you accept His testimony because it is true and God confirms it. i. There is no higher authority ii. John 3:18 iii. Application: We buy things because so and so endorses them iv. We vote for someone because sos and so endorses them. v. There is no higher witness than God Himself! iv. Christ experienced the Holy Spirit in an unlimited manner (v. 34) 1. No one has ever had the Holy Spirit upon Him as Christ did. 2. God gave the Spirit to Him without measure (unlimited) 3. John 1:32 v. Christ was supreme because the Father sovereignly had granted that status to Him (v. 35). 1. All things are given into His hand 2. He has all authority 3. And it's been granted to Him by God the Father 4. Therefore Hew is sovereign or Lord a. They should definitely follow Him and not me b. So should you (v 36) i. It gives eternal life ii. Not following Him brings His wrath c. Remember John's purpose in writing (20:31) d. John the Baptist does his JOB! i. He testified ii. Now he is decreasing iii. Christ is increasing iv. It's simple math!