John 3:22-30

January 30, 2023

Jesus and John the Baptist

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the Judean countryside, where he spent time with them and baptized.


23 John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were coming and being baptized, 24 since John had not yet been thrown into prison.


25 Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification. 26 So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing—and everyone is going to him.”



27 John responded, “No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”



John 3:22-30 CSB

  • What does this teach us about God?

    • Jesus is the Christ (Messiah, Promised One, Savior, long awaited deliverer) 
    • Jesus is the Bridegroom. He is the Husband of His Church, purchased by His blood 
    • Jesus is above all. He has all authority and power in heaven and on earth and under the earth.  
    • Jesus is Greater than all! (Matthew 12:41-42) Word + Wisdom made flesh.  

  • What does this teach us about people/ourselves?

    • We are God’s Witnesses (Isaiah 43:7) 
    • We are God’s Servants 
    • We have been sent by God to a particular people and place 
    • We have inhabit a particular season  
    • We each have strengths (gifts, talents, resources etc that can be used to advance God’s kingdom and glorify Him) 
    • We can have clarity about who we are and who we are not. This is freeing to understand my role in God’s kingdom and it is not being God. (Jesus was sent to save. John was sent to serve) 
    • Don’t look to others or ourselves to play a role in our lives that only Jesus can fulfill 

  • By God's grace, how will you obey?

    • Look to God to lead me and give life. Follow Him. 
    • Consider reflecting on these 4 questions to help give clarity about how God might use you for His kingdom and glory. 

    1. What season of life are you in? 
    2. What are your strengths/ story? 
    3. Where have you been sent?
    4. How can you serve?

Prayer: Thank you God for John’s faithfulness to point others to Jesus. Lord, help us to witness to others of your beauty and grace. And keep our hearts and eyes fixed on the one who is greater! 

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