Devotional - John 3:22-36

Passage To Study:

John 3:22-36

[22] After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. [23] And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. [24] For John was not yet cast into prison. [25] Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. [26] And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. [27] John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. [28] Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. [29] He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease. [31] He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. [32] And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. [33] He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. [34] For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. [35] The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. [36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

What are the facts of the passage?:

Jesus and His disciples go to Judah and begin ministering there; including performing Baptisms.
John and his disciples were baptizing nearby as well.
A dispute arose between Tom's disciples and the Jews about purification.
They pose him a question about Jesus' nearby ministry and popularity.
John replies with wonderful humility that is totally in keeping with the content of the rest of Chapter 3.
He concludes that the one who receives the truth receives life; and the one who does not demonstrates that the wrath of God abides on him.

What do those facts mean?:

What is striking here is the consistency here with the rest of chapter. There, as here, the message is that Salvation is of God and not of Man. John demonstrates that this principle applies across the broad range that Soteriology covers. Truly, a man can have nothing unless it is given to him from heaven.

How do those facts apply to my life?:

I should always remind myself of the centrality of God in salvation. Truly I can haul nothing unless it has been given to me from heaven.

What should I do in response?:

Just be sure that I am acknowledging God and His primary role is my salvation.

Day

John's Witness To Jesus