John 3:27-30 - Lesson #31

We continue with our study of the gospel of John. In our last lesson, we saw the disciples of John the Baptist express their concern that people were now coming to Jesus to be baptized. It's possible his disciples were feeling threatened, perceiving a reduced significance caused by this new minister named Jesus.

John 3:27-30
"John answered and said, 'A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, "I am not the Christ," but, "I have been sent before Him." He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.'"

Notice John's leadership in this situation. His disciples were greatly mistaken. They had just revealed issues of pride, insecurity, loss of focus, and a general misunderstanding of ministry. But rather than beat them down for their lack of understanding, John used this opportunity to build them up with some wonderful truths.

John begins with a general truth which can be applied to all areas of life: ALL we have is by the grace of God. This means all our abilities as well as our perceived lack; it means the grandness of our ministry as well as our apparent insignificance. We are given our ability, our task, and our position by God. And using what He gives to glorify His name makes whatever we do very grand indeed! Jesus would teach this same lesson later in His ministry; "without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

This is something we need to be reminded of over and over again - I speak from experience! "And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7). The moment we begin to think we have accomplished anything in our own strength, watch out!

John reminds his disciples that from the very beginning he has been saying he was simply the voice crying, "Make straight the way of the Lord" (John 1:23). John always knew his role was to prepare the way for Christ. Just as the friend of the bridegroom makes the wedding plans and brings the bride and groom together, so John was sent to bring together Christ and the children of Israel. Once this is accomplished, the friend of the bridegroom is content to decrease and allow the bridegroom to increase.

How foolish when we think we are more than we really are - and how foolish when we think we are less. We are who we are, for the purpose of glorifying God by bringing others to His Son. Let's diligently give Him our all, using all He has provided in every opportunity He makes available. Let's glorify Him by keeping Jesus as our only focus and continually lift Him higher and higher!