John 3:22-36


"After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison). Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.' John answered, 'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, "I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him." The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.' He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:22-36 ESV)


The Humility of John the Baptist

In this passage, John the Baptist models the true humility required in discipleship. When John's disciples express concern that people are now following Jesus instead of him, John is quick to clarify his role: "I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him" (v. 28). John knew his place in God's redemptive plan—he was the forerunner, the one sent to prepare the way for the Messiah, not the Messiah himself.

John's joy was complete in seeing the ministry of Jesus flourish, for he understood that Christ must increase, and he must decrease (v. 30). This is a profound truth for us as disciples of Christ. Our lives are meant to point to Jesus, not to ourselves. As the Holy Spirit works within us, He transforms us to live for Christ's glory rather than our own. John’s response reveals that humility is not self-deprecation but a joyful acknowledgment that our purpose is to exalt Christ above all.

Scriptures to Study:

Philippians 2:3-8, Matthew 11:11, 1 Peter 5:5-6, James 4:10


Jesus: The One Who is Above All

John emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus by contrasting Christ's heavenly origin with his own earthly nature: "He who comes from above is above all" (v. 31). Jesus, being the Son of God, has authority over all things. His words carry divine truth because He speaks not from human speculation but from the direct knowledge of God. This is a crucial reminder that the foundation of our faith rests on the Word of God, revealed through Jesus Christ.

Christ’s heavenly authority and divine origin make Him the perfect source of truth. As followers of Christ, we must constantly rely on His Word for guidance, knowing that the Holy Spirit empowers us to understand and obey His commands. When we embrace Christ's teachings, we declare that "God is true" (v. 33), affirming our belief in the truthfulness and trustworthiness of God’s revelation through His Son.

Scriptures to Study:

Colossians 1:16-18, Hebrews 3:1-6, John 6:38-40, Matthew 28:18


The Gift of the Holy Spirit Without Measure

John highlights an important truth about Jesus' ministry: "For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure" (v. 34). Jesus was uniquely filled with the Holy Spirit in an unlimited way, empowering Him to perfectly fulfill the will of the Father. While Jesus is uniquely the Son of God, His followers also receive the Holy Spirit, who equips us to live for God’s glory and carry out His purposes on earth.

This abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit is available to all who believe in Christ. As disciples, we must daily seek the filling of the Holy Spirit, trusting in His power to transform our lives and enable us to walk in obedience to Christ. The Holy Spirit is our guide, comforter, and the source of strength we need to live out our faith.

Scriptures to Study:

Acts 2:38, Ephesians 1:13-14, Galatians 5:16-25, Romans 8:9-11


Eternal Life Through Believing in the Son

John concludes with a profound and sobering truth: "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him" (v. 36). The gift of eternal life is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. To believe is not merely intellectual agreement but a wholehearted trust that leads to obedience. Faith in Christ transforms our lives, aligning us with God's purposes and leading us into eternal life with Him.

On the other hand, rejecting Jesus means remaining under the wrath of God, which is the just consequence of sin. This reminds us of the urgency of the gospel. As disciples, we are called to share this life-giving message with others, pointing them to the only One who can offer eternal life—Jesus Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to proclaim the truth and invite others into the saving knowledge of Christ.

Scriptures to Study:

John 5:24, Romans 6:23, 1 John 5:11-13, John 14:6


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions