John Study 4: 3:1-30

Dear Student of the Word,

Here is the long-awaited fourth study from John's gospel. I had so many school papers to write the last few weeks that something had to give - and it was this study.  I finish class on Saturday, so I should be able to get back on track with weekly studies.  This week we look at Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John chapter three. On the last day of this week's installment, I wrote this about John 3:27-30:

v. 27 – John had the perfect, godly perspective on the matter.  Results, momentum, honor, following and prestige were all in God’s hands; they come from God.  They are not the result of human efforts.  Oh, how I wish we would all grasp what John knew to be true.  If what we have we are given from heaven, then there is no cause for pride or to feel good about what has been accomplished.  There is no sense that “I did this” but rather He did this. John was obedient but God gave the results and John refused to be fooled to think that he had anything to do with it.

v. 28 – John did not change his perspective when he was faced with diminishing ministry returns.  He had said that he was not the Christ and he did not change his story for expediency sake.  John knew that he was the one sent before the Lord; he was not the Lord.  One has to admire and respect John’s understanding of who he was and what his role was to be.  He functioned in that properly and did not deviate.  He knew his purpose and stayed true to that, even when it was not in the best interests of his “ministry.”

Who are you?  What has God assigned for you to do?  Are you faithful to it?  Are you trying to do more than God has equipped you to do?

v. 29 – John then used a metaphor comparing himself to the friend of the bridegroom but not the groom or the bride.  John rejoiced to hear the bridegroom’s voice – to see Him come and begin to function as God intended.  John was happy being in the limelight and then taking a reduced role when Jesus arrived on the scene.

John wrapped up his public ministry and had one more assignment from the Lord, and that was to confront Herod over his adulterous relationship with his brother’s wife.  It is interesting to me that God sent His finest Old Testament prophet, John, to try to turn Herod from his wicked ways.  After Herod had John killed, Jesus refused to speak to Herod when He came to Herod right before the crucifixion.  In a sense, John represented Herod’s last chance to repent. When Herod wanted Jesus to speak or show Him a miracle or two, Jesus refused. 

God can assign you any work that He chooses.  At first, John’s assignment was to be public and popular.  The next assignment was to confront the immorality of the king and it would cost John his life.  God makes His assignments without apology.  Again I ask: what has God assigned you to do?  Is it easy, or is there some price connected to it?  Can you rest in the fact that your ministry or work results are in God’s hands?  Can you have the same joy that John had in doing the will of God in your life?  Can you rejoice to see Jesus exalted while you are a hidden factor in the process?

v. 30  - John gave an accurate explanation for the process his disciples had described to him.  John had to decrease so that Jesus could increase in the presence of Israel and in the hearts of the people.  What a brilliant summary of God’s strategy!  John knew his role and place and the Lord wants us to do the same.  Do you know your role and place in the economy of God?  Have you embraced it?

As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. You can write them or find the studies to Corinthians, Colossians, First Timothy, and Matthew's and Mark's gospels on the site where this week's entry is posted. You can also go there to sign up to receive each week's study.

Plus my website archives contains a complete collection of all my verse-by-verse Bible studies from Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, Hebrews and Revelation, along with the unpublished Faith Files.

Download John Study 4

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