John 3:22-36
John - John The Baptist Testifies Again About Jesus
John 3:22-36
John 3:30
"He must become greater; I must become less."
"He must become greater; I must become less."
In this week’s message we got to focus on John the Baptist, who is Jesus’ cousin. John spends time telling us about Jesus, the real Jesus of the Bible so we can see him in his true form. We take a closer look at what he was doing with his disciples and why it has significance for us today.
In the verses, we first look at the exchange between one of John’s disciples and a Jew. This exchange reveals to us that Baptism is a key step in our walk with Jesus. Baptism is done out of obedience as Jesus was baptised himself and call us to do the same. The act of baptism is dripping with symbolism and remains an important step for all believers to take.
One of the first things I noted is that John the Baptist had disciples of his own, which were now starting to follow Jesus. This is a challenge to us today, about the way we live our life. Are we sending a message to the world with the way we live out our lives? John the Baptist did exactly that, he lived a counter cultural life (Mark 1:1-9) which resulted in people following him because his message was clear. The kingdom of God is near, repent and be baptised.
What do you thing about this message, does it still apply to us today? Do you think people in your network of friends and family need to hear it?
John highlights the type of attitude we should have when it comes to addressing Jesus. He talks about Jesus as a bridegroom, to who’s voice he experienced joy in hearing. He knows his role in life is to clear a path for Jesus. Is this how your living or how you want to live?
The verse 30 ‘’He must become greater; I must become less.’’ is one that particularly sticks out to me and summarizes how John the Baptist lived his life. This week during our devotions spend some time thinking about areas of your life where it is a reality and where it clearly isn’t and pray to Jesus to grow exponentially in this area.
John hints about who Jesus really is in verse 31 but also calls us to point others to him as the only true saviour. Knowing Jesus changes everything from eternal salvation being secured to being spiritually alive and experiencing the gifts of the Spirit (prophesy, miracle, tongues and interpretation) . We also looked at the benefits of living by the Spirit - fruits of the Spirit (love, joy peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control), so let this week be a week where we taste the fruit and others also wish to take a bite.
In the verses, we first look at the exchange between one of John’s disciples and a Jew. This exchange reveals to us that Baptism is a key step in our walk with Jesus. Baptism is done out of obedience as Jesus was baptised himself and call us to do the same. The act of baptism is dripping with symbolism and remains an important step for all believers to take.
One of the first things I noted is that John the Baptist had disciples of his own, which were now starting to follow Jesus. This is a challenge to us today, about the way we live our life. Are we sending a message to the world with the way we live out our lives? John the Baptist did exactly that, he lived a counter cultural life (Mark 1:1-9) which resulted in people following him because his message was clear. The kingdom of God is near, repent and be baptised.
What do you thing about this message, does it still apply to us today? Do you think people in your network of friends and family need to hear it?
John highlights the type of attitude we should have when it comes to addressing Jesus. He talks about Jesus as a bridegroom, to who’s voice he experienced joy in hearing. He knows his role in life is to clear a path for Jesus. Is this how your living or how you want to live?
The verse 30 ‘’He must become greater; I must become less.’’ is one that particularly sticks out to me and summarizes how John the Baptist lived his life. This week during our devotions spend some time thinking about areas of your life where it is a reality and where it clearly isn’t and pray to Jesus to grow exponentially in this area.
John hints about who Jesus really is in verse 31 but also calls us to point others to him as the only true saviour. Knowing Jesus changes everything from eternal salvation being secured to being spiritually alive and experiencing the gifts of the Spirit (prophesy, miracle, tongues and interpretation) . We also looked at the benefits of living by the Spirit - fruits of the Spirit (love, joy peace, patience, kindness goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control), so let this week be a week where we taste the fruit and others also wish to take a bite.
Apply
- Have you truly surrendered to Jesus in all areas of your life?
- Have you been baptised in water? Or shared your baptism story with others?
- Have you been baptised with the Holy Spirit? Eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit, are you ready to explore the gifts that the Spirt has for you?
- This week we are going to pray and document our journey with the Holy Spirit, so others can see us bubble to overflowing.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
I surrender all aspects of my life to you today, may you increase in my life so I may decrease. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so I may be full to overflowing and demonstrate your power at work in my life.
This week bring me opportunities to share you and my journey with those who need to hear it.
Amen
I surrender all aspects of my life to you today, may you increase in my life so I may decrease. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so I may be full to overflowing and demonstrate your power at work in my life.
This week bring me opportunities to share you and my journey with those who need to hear it.
Amen
This Everyday Devotions was written by Emeka Maddy, who is an Elder at our Sutton Venue.
Emeka unpacks these themes in more detail in his sermon message this week on our website, YouTube Channel and at our Online Church Services.
This Everyday Devotions has also inspired a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube Channel.
Follow our Everyday Devotions Playlist for some songs to help you worship God in Spirit and truth this week.
Emeka unpacks these themes in more detail in his sermon message this week on our website, YouTube Channel and at our Online Church Services.
This Everyday Devotions has also inspired a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube Channel.
Follow our Everyday Devotions Playlist for some songs to help you worship God in Spirit and truth this week.