A Study Of John 3:22-36
A study of John 3:22-36 covers when ministries compete. Motives should be examined, humility expressed, and Jesus exalted.
A study of John 3:22-36 covers when ministries compete. Motives should be examined
And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” (ESV, John 3:26)
Jesus’ final command to his followers before ascending to heaven was to make disciples. It is our primary mission. And should unite us in a common cause. So, why is it rather than cooperating, we often compete? Both among and within churches.
Our church is better than your church. With ministries for everyone. Cooler worship. And relevant sermons that pack a spiritual punch. Seldom said out loud, of course. But hinted in subtle ways. Like mentioning our tremendous church growth. The near, professional level of our worship team. Multitude of baptisms. And so on.
We smile and say “praise” God at the glowing report of another church. But a twinge of jealousy pricks our hearts. And we secretly rejoice when they encounter hardship. We should examine our motives when these feelings arise. Because it is sin that drives apart rather than unifies in godly purpose. And we should confess them to God who cleanses us with his forgiveness.
However, it’s not new. Ministry jealousy appears front and center in this scripture passage. The crowds following Jesus were increasing as more people followed him rather than John the Baptist. And John’s disciples went to him about this unsettling shift in ministry popularity. Their concern pressing. Worry in their voices. Followers were flocking to Jesus instead of John. And while they didn’t come out and say it, you can sense it on the tip of their tongues. “Jesus is taking away all our followers. We have to do something!”
A study of John 3:22-36 covers when ministries compete. Humility should be expressed
You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (ESV, John 3:28-30)
In my mid 20’s, I attended a church Bible Study composed of young, entry level professionals. It was taught by a businessman who had reached the pinnacle of professional success. A senior leadership position in the company. Big home in an exclusive neighborhood. Expensive cars. But during one class he shared he had also reached a point in his Christian faith where material possessions were no longer important to him. He could easily give all these things up and still be happy. As we all quietly digested this humble brag, a voice in the back asked, “Can I have them?”
Expressing humility
John the Baptist made a humble statement about himself in John 1:20. He was not the Christ, but sent before him. Furthermore, he says in 1:27. “He who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” It was the kind of unpretentious claim you expect from a minister. Humble. Contrite. But never tested. Until now. Because now, John’s thriving ministry was actually fading into the background. And perhaps, to the surprise of his disciples, rather than devise a new ministry growth plan, John the Baptist affirmed that, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
It was an expression of genuine humility. Which is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less. John understood that his mission was to pave the way for Jesus. And it demonstrates another truth. God calls every Christ-follower to serve in a form of ministry. Some are high profile. Others behind the scenes. But all are equally important in the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, God does not measure your level of success but of your faithfulness. And to acknowledge in everything that all credit goes to God.
A study of John 3:22-36 covers when ministries compete. Jesus should be exalted
He who comes from above is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. (ESV, John 3:31-33)
The word “above” is repeated twice in the first sentence, but has different meanings. The Greek word for “from above” is anōthĕn, which means from above, the top, from the first, and from the beginning. It refers to the divine, eternal Son of God. The second “above all” is the Greek word ĕpanō, and means amount, place, and rank. In other words, John exalts Jesus as the almighty God who reigns supreme. It is the antidote to ministry competition,comparison, and jealousy. By exalting Jesus’ name in praise.
It places us in humble submission to our Savior and Lord. And encourages us to celebrate every spiritual victory without scoring who gets the gets the credit. By reminding us we all serve the Kingdom of God for the glory of God.
Sure. Positive affirmation and the words, “good job” are always appreciated. But the ultimate satisfaction awaits when Jesus says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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