John 3:22-36

The Central Idea of the Text is that the ministry of John the Baptist must decrease and the ministry of Christ must increase.  John the Baptist and the disciples of Jesus (John 4:3) were baptizing Jews at the same time with the message that the kingdom of God/heaven is near (John 3:22-24; cf. Matt. 3:2; 4:17).  After a discussion about purification with a Jew (John 3:25), the disciples of John the Baptist approach him with a concern that Jesus’ new ministry is gaining more attention than John’s ministry (John 3:26).  John the Baptist corrects their thinking by explaining true ministry and results are determined by heaven and not men (John 3:27).  John the Baptist makes it clear that he is not the Christ (John 3:28), but likens himself as the friend of a bridegroom who is joyful about his friends future success (John 3:29).  Concerning his ministry, John the Baptist humbly states, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).  John the Baptist explains that Christ is superior because He comes from above and His message and ministry is greater (John 3:31-33).  John the Baptist also explains that Jesus—unlike others—has received the Holy Spirit without limitation (John 3:34), and that the Father has given all things into His hand (John 3:36).  Because of Jesus preeminent position, the Father will give eternal life to all who believe in Him as Savior, but His wrath continues to abide on those who fail to obey the command to believe (John 3:36).