John 3:22–36 · John the Baptist points everyone to Jesus
Big Idea: The Father loves the Son—so we gladly decrease that Jesus would increase.
Scripture
Read: John 3:22–36
What happened
- Two ministries, one mission: Jesus and John are both baptizing (v.22–24). Crowds start moving toward Jesus.
- Jealousy check: John’s disciples worry, but John anchors them in God’s sovereignty: “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven” (v.27).
- Best man joy: John is the friend of the Bridegroom; the Bride belongs to Jesus. Hearing the Bridegroom’s voice makes John’s joy complete (v.29).
- Life posture: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (v.30).
- Who Jesus is: He comes from above, speaks heaven’s words, and gives the Spirit without measure (v.31–34). The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand (v.35).
- Our crossroads: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life—God’s wrath remains” (v.36).
Why it matters
- Humility is joy, not loss. Decreasing self so Jesus increases brings complete joy (v.29–30).
- Jesus is above all. His words carry heaven’s authority; receiving Him affirms God is true (v.31–34).
- Believing obeys. In John, the opposite of “believe” is “disobey” (v.36). True faith moves our wills.
Reflect
- Where do I crave increase (attention, control, credit) instead of giving Jesus center stage?
- Can I name the “Bride” moments this week—times I rejoiced to see people go to Jesus, not to me?
- Am I receiving Jesus’ words as Heaven’s truth, or treating them like good advice?
Respond
- Pray John 3:30 daily: “He must increase; I must decrease.” Ask the Spirit to make it real in one concrete area (speech, schedule, spending).
- Practice best-man joy: Celebrate someone else’s win in ministry. Send an encouraging text; pray blessing over their influence.
- Believe & obey: If you’ve not trusted Jesus, do so today (v.36). If you have, act on one clear command of Jesus this week.