“A Journey with John” Day 7: John the Baptizer makes it clear (John 3:22-36)
Last time, John took us to listen in on a secret meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus.
Before we go to see what John the Baptizer now has to say, let’s look at the new person to whom John introduced us last time:
>Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews.
On ‘Day 2,” John took us to see what the Baptizer was saying about Jesus. Now, let’s go with him to see what the Baptizer is making clear:
Jesus and His disciples have come into the land of Judea where Jesus is now baptizing. John the Baptizer was also baptizing. (Our guide explains to us that this was before John was thrown into prison.) A dispute comes up between John the Baptizer’s disciples and some of the religious leaders. Apparently, the dispute involves some question about John’s baptisms versus Jesus’ baptisms. We can gather this because as a result of this dispute, John’s disciples approach him and point out that all the people are going to be baptized by Jesus. This observation, prompts the Baptizer to again make clear to his disciples that his role has always been just to prepare the way for Jesus. As well, the Baptizer seems to know that the time has come for to him step back, while Jesus steps forward. It’s interesting to hear the words from John the Baptizer’s mouth that we heard last time coming from Jesus. The Baptizer is such a faithful witness.
Our highlighted verses for today:
“After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.””
John 3:22-23, 26-28, 30-31, 34-36 NKJV
Question for reflection:
What does John’s statement, “God does not give the Spirit by measure,” in referencing Jesus, mean?
Next time, a wayward woman will meet our Lord.