IMPORTANT WORDS. John 3:22-36 Both John the Baptist and Jesus continued their efforts to reach the people of Israel. John focused his attention on the Lord Jesus Christ with devotion, not in division or contention. His disciples were apparently jealous of Jesus's growing popularity, but John kept preaching and baptizing because those who heard him were willing to turn to the Lord. He was a man of true humility who emphasized the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. His authority for what he did came from heaven, and he was determined to fulfill his mission.
John knew he was a messenger sent before the Lord to prepare His way. The Lord Himself was the message, and everyone needed to hear what He had to say. John, the friend of the bridegroom, had finished his work. In those days, the bride was brought to the bridegroom by the “friend of the bridegroom.” The Bridegroom Himself had come, and the friend’s role had diminished. The Bridegroom had come to call His own to Him.
A call from God and the power to fulfill it eliminate all thoughts of rivalry and competition. We need to remember this in our service to the Lord. Others have a different call and a different task. Let us rejoice in what they do and stay focused on what we are called to do. Some actions we take for God last a lifetime. We may be called to serve for a specific time and place, with a conclusion such as "a time of visitation." A man is responsible for what he receives.
John knew his work was authorized from heaven—the highest Source. He had been given the Spirit only in a “measure.” The Lord Jesus, however, was given the Spirit without measure—without limits. John understood his role as a voice crying in the wilderness. He also recognized his position as a friend of the Bridegroom and was responsible for preparing people to come to Jesus, much like a friend of a bridegroom who prepares the way for the bride to meet the bridegroom.
The words, "He must increase, but I must decrease," show he was satisfied with what he had done and was willing to redirect attention to the Lord Jesus Christ. John was aware that he had fulfilled his purpose. He did not belittle or dismiss his work as insignificant. He simply understood it was coming to an end. The old had passed— the new had arrived and was established.
John's ministry was an earthly work of preparation. Jesus' work was heavenly and eternal. When the Son of God was here in the flesh, the Father gave all power and authority. He came here in the body and "in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily," not partially but completely. In light of this statement, we are responsible for believing in the Son. When we truly understand who Jesus is, we are compelled to believe what He said and put our faith in Him. He is the greatest revelation of God to humanity.
"He that cometh from above" did not just commission a work to be done; He came Himself and did what needed to be done personally. To believe in Him with full awareness that we are committing ourselves without reserve to the blessings of His grace and forgiveness is when we receive eternal life. Not believing in Him results in God's righteous wrath that carries out full justice on those who reject Him. Indecision is fatal because it indicates unbelief. In light of the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is from above, if we do not trust or believe in Him, the wrath of God abides on us. There is no other person or any other way to avoid the damaging consequences of unbelief. Such unbelief is an insult against the holiness of God. In the same way, calling Him a liar would be.