It really is all about Jesus!

Explanation: The Baptist’s disciples were upset about the increasing number of people who were going to Jesus instead of John. They were jealous of Jesus’ growing popularity and considered him a rival to their own master. They take their complaint to John, and seem to expect him to be upset as well. John, however, does not jump on the pity bandwagon with them.

Illustrate: someone else always has a bigger house and nicer cars. There is a church with more activities, better music, and a more charismatic preacher.

Argument: Ministry is not to be a competition. John understood who Jesus was and how important He was. The Baptist reminds his boys of what he had said earlier, “I am not the Christ” (v. 28). John accepted his role as the forerunner - the one who would put the focus on the Messiah.

John also reminded his followers that his ministry was a gift from God. God chose John to be the forerunner of the Messiah; John did not choose it or bring it about on his own. None of us have our own ministry or calling; what we have, we received it from the hand of a gracious God.

Application: We should never put any person above Jesus. A pastor is just a man who should point others to Jesus. Churches are not to compare themselves to other churches. We are all on Team Jesus, and should not view others as rivals.

2. Because Jesus is the focus, I am to exalt Him ()

Explanation: John uses an illustration to help his disciples. He puts himself in the position of the best man at a wedding. In that culture, the best man’s job was to bring the bridegroom to the wedding. When he had accomplished that, his job was over. The focus and the joy was on the Bridegroom and His bride. John knew his time was up (I must decrease), and he knew Jesus was coming into prominence (He must increase).

Illustrate: the uncomfortable feeling when a best man or maid of honor goes on and on during their speech. They are putting the focus in the wrong place

Argument: Jesus is the Name above all Names. He is the One who God has exalted above all others. Jesus is the Second person of the Trinity, God Himself in the flesh, and He is worthy to be worshiped. ()

Application: As humans, we have a tendency to shift our focus to our own part of the world. We think in terms of “me,” and “mine,” and attempt to have the universe revolve around us. Instead, we are to repeatedly place our focus on the One who is worthy (Colossians 3:1-2)

3. Because Jesus is the focus, I am to acknowledge His sovereignty ()

Explanation: Verse 31 could mark the Apostle John’s thought as writer, looking back to the prologue, or it could be a continuation from the Baptist. Either way, the thought centers on the divine nature of Jesus. He is the One who descended from heaven, and is therefore superior to those who are simply of the earth. Regardless of how few people accept the words of Jesus, those words are in fact the very words of God (v. 34)

Not only does Jesus have the words of God, He has the Spirit of God, without limit. This is to be contrasted with others (Moses, Saul, David, etc) upon whom God sent the Spirit in limited fashion. AND, if that weren’t enough, the Baptist states that Jesus has been given all authority by the Father. Jesus is the Sovereign Son of God

Argument: John not only voiced these truths, he lived them. Modern believers also voice these truths, but we seldom live them. We give lip service to God on Sundays, but we live Monday through Saturday according to our own schedule and agenda. Jesus is the Creator of all things (); all authority has been given to Him (); He is the Head of the Church (); He is the One coming again for judgment (); and He is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings ()

Application: There is no division within Christ as Savior and Lord - He is both at all times. For one to receive Jesus in true faith we acknowledge Him in His fullness at the point of surrender. There is no biblical basis for accepting Jesus as Savior without recognizing His Lordship. We do not make Him Lord, He is LORD, and by faith we receive Him as He is.

4. Because Jesus is the focus, I am to obey Him ()

Explanation: The Baptist juxtaposes belief with obedience in this last verse. By doing so, he establishes a clear link between the two. In clear terms: to believe in Jesus is to obey Him. The ones who do not believe in Christ give evidence to the fact by their disobedience

Illustrate: Self-proclaimed Vegetarian, and a card-carrying member of PETA. What’s the verdict if this guy is seen eating a 16oz Ribeye at Longhorn’s?

Argument: It should go without saying, but if we profess to have faith in Christ, there should be evidence of such in our lives. We put out all kinds of smokescreens and excuses to justify why we don’t live for Jesus, while at the same time thinking we are ready for eternity. For clarification: Good works do not save anyone, but behavior does follow belief. ()

The Scripture is very clear at this point when John declares: “whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life” (v. 36). He then concludes this section with the chilling truth that God’s wrath is now present on unbelievers, and will remain so. The only remedy to remove God’s wrath is faith in Jesus

Application: Examine your life. If you haven’t been changed by your profession, you need to cast yourself at the feet of Jesus in repentance.