John 3:22-36 IMPORTANT WORDS Both John the Baptist and Jesus continued their efforts to reach the people of Israel. John focused His attention on the Lord Jesus Christ in devotion, not in division or contention. His disciples apparently were jealous of the popularity of Jesus, but John continued preaching and baptizing in view of those who heard him being wiling to turn to the Lord. He was a man of true humility who focused his emphasis on the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. His authority for doing what he did came from heaven and he was determined to fulfill that work. A call from God and the power to carry it out removes all thought of rivalry and competition. We need to keep that in mind in our service for the Lord. Others have a different call and a different work. Let us rejoice in what they do and keep busy with what we are called to do.
A man is responsible for what he receives. John knew his work had been authorized from heaven - the highest possible Source. John knew his role was that of a voice crying in the wilderness. John also knew his position as a friend of the Bridegroom and he was responsible to make preparations for people to come to Him, in a similar way the friend of a bridegroom prepared the way for the bride to come to the bridegroom. The words, "He must increase, but I must decrease," indicates he was content with what he had done and was content to let the attention go to the Lord Jesus Christ. John was conscious that he had fulfilled his mission. He in no way depreciated or put down the work he had done as of no account. He just realized it was finishing. Some things we do for God are for a lifetime. Other things we may be called to do are for a particular time and location, and have a conclusion such as "a time of visitation."
The old was past - the new had come 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, all power and authority was given Him by the Father. He came here in the body and "in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily," not partially but completely. In the light of this statement we are responsible to believe on the Son. When we really 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 on Him with full awareness of the fact we are committing ourselves without reserve to the blessings of His grace and forgiveness, is when we receive eternal life. To not believe on 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 the Lord Jesus Christ is from above, if we do not trust or believe on 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.