John 3:22-36
September Memory Verse: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
Read: John 3:22-36
Jesus is the point.
John the Baptist has always been one of the most interesting people in the Bible to me—not as much for his eccentricities (i.e. eating locusts/honey, wearing camel hair, etc.) but for his example of what it looks like to walk with God. In our passage today, we see one of his most famous statements ever—a statement that summed up his life, and should sum up ours as well.
We see two main themes from our passage today:
1. We make it about us (25-26)
Like John’s disciples, our natural bent is toward that of self-focus and self-interest. This is because of our sinfulness, and is something that the power of the gospel must sanctify within the life of every believer. We should see ourselves in the example of these disciples.
2. We should make it about God (27-36)
What does this look like?
All of these are great items to meditate and pray through. Verse 30 stands out as the most concise statement: he must increase, I must decrease. What could this look like for you? What areas in your life do you need to decrease in? In what ways do you need to confess and repent and commit to a plan to grow and change?
By: Graham Withers
Read: John 3:22-36
Jesus is the point.
John the Baptist has always been one of the most interesting people in the Bible to me—not as much for his eccentricities (i.e. eating locusts/honey, wearing camel hair, etc.) but for his example of what it looks like to walk with God. In our passage today, we see one of his most famous statements ever—a statement that summed up his life, and should sum up ours as well.
We see two main themes from our passage today:
1. We make it about us (25-26)
Like John’s disciples, our natural bent is toward that of self-focus and self-interest. This is because of our sinfulness, and is something that the power of the gospel must sanctify within the life of every believer. We should see ourselves in the example of these disciples.
2. We should make it about God (27-36)
What does this look like?
- Everything comes from heaven (27)
- Joy comes from focusing on the purposes of Christ (29)
- Our glory must decrease, God’s glory must increase. (30)
- Jesus is supreme. (31, 35)
- We have all we need in the Spirit (34)
- Those who have belief motivated obedience have eternal life. (36)
All of these are great items to meditate and pray through. Verse 30 stands out as the most concise statement: he must increase, I must decrease. What could this look like for you? What areas in your life do you need to decrease in? In what ways do you need to confess and repent and commit to a plan to grow and change?
By: Graham Withers
3 Comments
History has taught us that men rarely give up power & authority willingly. Dictators of the world rule until death or being overthrown by a greater power. John the Baptist was a godly man who knew his purpose and willingly stepped down and subjected himself to the authority of Jesus.
He must increase, I must decrease.
What could this look like for you?
What areas in your life do you need to decrease in?
Great questions to ponder today Graham. I will be thinking about this all week and praying for God to show me how I can cede all authority to Jesus.
I have been doing a personal walk through the book of John and I'm on chapter 8. I noticed that I had no highlighted verses in today's selected jumpstart passages. Anyone that has done a study with me knows how much I highlight my books. Today, I am asking myself why not? Is it because John is mentioned in all 4 gospels or is it because per Graham's devotion I am making to much of me and I have no interest in decreasing? I truly thought it was only because of repetition, but I am convicted of something and will meditate and seek clarity!
I feel like this passage and your message yesterday is telling me that I need to keep my eyes on Jesus more than I currently am. I am going to print out your #2 section to remind myself daily to make my day more about God! Thank you, Graham!