God’s Saving Word: Love
Introduction
John 3:22-36: The disciples of John the Baptist 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
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the province of Judea, where he spent some time with them and baptized. 23 John 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.)
25 Some of John’s disciples began arguing with a Jew[a] about the matter of ritual washing. 26 So 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!”
27 John 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.’ 29 The 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. 30 He must become more important while I become less important.”
He Who Comes from Heaven
31 He 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. 32 He tells what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his message. 33 But whoever accepts his message confirms by this that God is truthful. 34 The 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. 36 Whoever 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. How does John react to what his disciples tell him? What are your thoughts about John’s words in verses 29 and 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 Baptist, my happiness is complete when I hear and obey your voice. Amen.
And now, join us in thanking God that the Bible is reaching people in impoverished and remote areas in Bangladesh. Loving God, in Bangladesh, one out of every four people live below the poverty line, and one in three are unable to read. Thanks to Bible-A-Month Partners, these people are now receiving their own audio Bibles in their heart language, Bangla, and receiving comfort and strength from their daily engagement with Scripture. Many have joined audio Bible listening groups in their local villages, and we thank and praise you, Lord God, that your Word is introducing people to Christ and changing lives. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
1 John 1:1—2:6: Jesus is the Word of life.