John 3:25-27 (NIV) “An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John (The Baptist) and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.”
As we examine this text of scripture found in the John’s Gospel 3:22-36, I’ve come to understand that it is the the cliff note version of John The Baptist’s Life Story. It clearly outlines John’s purpose and mission in life, as defined by God, Almighty. This understanding allows for John to say focused on his calling. Thus not letting outsiders with ill intent to influence him nor become a distraction to him and his followers.
This section of scripture begins with Jesus taking His disciples on a field trip; John 3:22 “After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.”
We learn in John 4:1-2 the reason for the departure into the Judean countryside was for Jesus to continue with the training of His Disciples.
John 4:1 “When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware that He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, he departed form Judea to Galilee.
John 4:2 (although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples)
Don’t Lose Your Focus
I. Senseless Arguments. II. Spiritual Answers III. Superior Authority
I.) Senseless Argument
John 3:25-26 “An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
As I studied this passage, I could not help but to think of where we are today in our political system: This tactic of allowing outsiders to interject chaos into our life or into the lives of your country; mission is as old as the beginning of time:
Satan in the garden Genesis 3:1 “Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden '?"
Job 1:6 “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.”
Zechariah 3:1 “Then the angel showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.”
Nehemiah 4:1-3 “When Sanballat heard that we were building the wall of Jerusalem, he was very angry and upset. He started making fun of the Jews. 2 Sanballat talked with his friends and the army at Samaria and said, “What are these weak Jews doing? Do they think we will leave them alone? Do they think they will offer sacrifices? Maybe they think they can finish building in only one day. They cannot bring stones back to life from these piles of trash and dirt. These are just piles of ashes and dirt!””
Matthew 16:6 - Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Saints of God, I’m here to tell you that Satan not comes to kill, steal and destroy you, but he will use lessor tactics to distract you.
Distraction meaning: a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else, extreme agitation of the mind or emotions.
Letting others influence you while you are working or doing the will of God is just as bad as not doing the assigned task. . . I don’t have your undivided attention, deadlines are missed, the thoroughness needed to successfully complete the task is diminished.
I our text we find that John The Baptist was aptly equipped to handle the distraction. He reverted back to his mission and purpose in life - he looked at the owners manual.
Pulpit Commentary: John’s disciples appear to have taken up arms against some particular Jew, who was prepared either to question the right of Jesus to baptize, or the essential value of this ordinance.
This "Jew" was apparently maintaining a greater potency for the baptism of Jesus than John could claim for his, and was basing his view upon the testimony which John had already borne to Jesus.
The question arose among those who had been baptized by John, whether another had any right to administer such an ordinance?
Isaiah 40:3 “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Each of the synoptic Gospels; Matthew, Mark & Luke have the same documentation of John’s calling:
Matthew 3:3 “This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.”
Mark 1:3 "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.'"
Luke 3:4 “as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight paths for Him.”
The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are referred to as the Synoptic Gospels because they include many of the same stories, often in a similar sequence and in similar or sometimes identical wording; these three gospels, give an account of the events from the same point of view or under the same general lens.
Dr Steve Lawson would describe John The Baptist’s role that of an “Euangelion”; meaning “to bring or announce good news, proclaim the gospel.” Euangelos, “messenger” is one who brings a message of victory or other political or personal news that causes joy.
Even in John 3:29b once John complete’s his proclamation he says “That joy is mine, and it is now complete.”
Proverbs 46:4 “Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.”
II.) Spiritual Answer
27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
In other words John said: It is impossible to embrace the future while holding on to the past. My mission is complete, one of greater value, with greater authority is at hand.
John 1:20 He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, "I am not the Christ."
John 1:23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'"
John 10:41 Many came to Him and said, "Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.”
Verse 29 The bride “the church” belongs to the bridegroom “Christ”.
“Know that everything is in perfect order whether you understand it or not.” ? Valery Satterwhite
Ellicott’s Commentary The bridegroom is the Messiah; the bride is the Kingdom of God--the church, consisting of all who with pure hearts are willing to receive Him; the friend who has arranged the betrothal, who has prepared these hearts, is John himself. He now stands and hears the Bridegroom. Some of those who had been prepared by him for the Bridegroom would have come, it may be, and told him of his words. He is now near at hand. Throngs crowd to Him. The bride is approaching. Do they see in all this matter for envy? It is to him the consummation of all hopes. The life-work has not been in vain. The cup runs over. The joy is fulfilled.
Verse 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,
John understood that holding onto the pass, will not allow him to reap the benefits of his future.
Isaiah 43:18 -19 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Luke 9: 62 “Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
“I realize there’s something incredibly honest about trees in winter, how they’re experts at letting things go.” ? Jeffrey McDaniel
When you focus on something, peripheral vision is blurred. Focus on Jesus so that everything else in your peripheral vision.
III.) Superior Authority
John 3:31-36 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
John clearly understands his position as things change, time progresses and Jesus takes center stage.
- King Saul tried to still serve as King, when David was anointed and appointed as King.
- Absalom tied to force himself into a position of honor - as was killed.
- Jezebel tied to rule from the Elijah from behind the throne of King Ahab - but failed.
-Satan tried to take charge of Heaven and reign in God’s place - but ended up in hell.
Matthew 28:18 “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
