God’s Renewing Word of Love
Introduction
John 3:22-36: The disciples of John the Baptizer speak to him about those who are being baptized by Jesus and following him. John acknowledges that his own ministry must now decrease as the ministry of Jesus increases.
Scripture Reading
Jesus and John
22After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the province of Judea, where he spent some time with them and baptized. 23John also was baptizing in Aenon, not far from Salim, because there was plenty of water in that place. People were going to him, and he was baptizing them. ( 24 This was before John had been put in prison.)
25Some of John’s disciples began arguing with a Jew about the matter of ritual washing. 26So they went to John and told him, “Teacher, you remember the man who was with you on the east side of the Jordan, the one you spoke about? Well, he is baptizing now, and everyone is going to him!”
27John answered, “No one can have anything unless God gives it. 28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’ 29The bridegroom is the one to whom the bride belongs; but the bridegroom’s friend, who stands by and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. This is how my own happiness is made complete. 30He must become more important while I become less important.”
He Who Comes from Heaven
31He who comes from above is greater than all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly matters, but he who comes from heaven is above all. 32He tells what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his message. 33But whoever accepts his message confirms by this that God is truthful. 34The one whom God has sent speaks God’s words, because God gives him the fullness of his Spirit. 35 The Father loves his Son and has put everything in his power. 36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not have life, but will remain under God’s punishment.
Today’s Key Verse: John 3:34
The one whom God has sent speaks God’s words, because God gives him the fullness of his Spirit.
Reflect
In today’s reading, the ministries of Jesus and John appear to occur simultaneously. What is John’s reaction to what his disciples tell him? What are your thoughts about John’s words in verse 30? How are his words an indication of his faithfulness and witness?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I rejoice with you when others accept you as their Savior. Like John the Baptizer, my happiness is complete when I hear and obey your voice. Amen.
And now, join us in offering a prayer of thanksgiving for the incredible milestone the YouVersion Bible app has reached: Hallelujah! We praise you, Lord God, that the YouVersion Bible App has surpassed 500 million downloads worldwide. May this app continue to be used to help people everywhere connect with the Bible in the languages of their hearts and that their lives will be transformed by its message of hope. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
John 13:1-20: Jesus demonstrates the meaning of love and servanthood.