John 3, Part 2

Scripture: John 3:22-36

Observation: John the Baptist's disciples come to him complaining. They have heard that Jesus is baptizing, that He doesn't adhere to the Pharisee's purification ceremonies, and that in fact Jesus is becoming more popular than John. John the Baptist finds it necessary to clarify the difference between Jesus and himself. John tells his disciples that what Jesus has He has received from heaven, making it clear that Jesus has come from God. He reminds them that from the start he told them he was not the Messiah, that another greater than himself was coming and that One would increase while John the Baptist would decrease. John the Baptist is not upset because of this; on the contrary, he compares his joy to that of the best man at a wedding, who shares in the joy of the bridegroom. John's joy is in fulfilling God's will for his life, not in popularity among men.

Application: As in John the Baptist's time, we find followers of men in our day. Many people are content to hear a preacher and believe that preacher's words without verifying, without studying Scripture to see if what is being taught is in accordance with God's Word. It is the responsibility of each of us to be sure that what we are feeding our minds and hearts is God's truths and not men's doctrines. God will never steer us wrong. A good teacher, like John the Baptist, will point us to Jesus. Anyone whose teachings point elsewhere, flee from them.

Prayer: Father, I'm thankful for Your Word and Your Holy Spirit which reveals truth through Your Word. I know You have placed men in our churches to teach us, but ultimately I serve You and not men. I never want to be so blinded by a man's teachings that I fail to see Your truth. I've been there before; I don't want to be there again. May Your Word and Your Holy Spirit be my only true guides. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.