John 3:22-36 Gospel of John Series #14 10/2/16 My New Perspective John 3:22-36 Gospel of John Series #14 10/2/16

Looking Back: No condemnation Purpose with a Promise 3:17,18 Illumination with an Indictment 3:19,20 Salvation with a Transformation 3:21 Looking Back: No condemnation

22 ¶ After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. 24 For John had not yet been thrown into prison. 25 ¶ Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified -- behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!" 27 John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 "You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.' 29 "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 "He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:22-36

31 ¶ "He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 "And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 "He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 "For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. 35 "The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

Look at a problem between JB’s disciples and the religious leaders about the ceremony of purifying. These legalists felt that outward purifying and ceremonial cleansing was all- important in one’s relationship to God. JB’s disciples echoed his feelings that purifying begins in the heart through repentance. This dispute was unsettled and resulted in further problems. The Jews came to John with the intent to cause contention between John and Jesus. It is probable that John’s disciples were jealous of the growing ministry of Jesus and His disciples. But that wasn’t a problem for John He was simply an announcer of the Messiah. He was just the best man and not the groom. He would not be pitted against Jesus. Making Jesus look good was His favorite pastime.

*Let us see Jesus as John saw Him. See Him as… His knowledge of Jesus and his relationship to Him solved the problem in his mind. *A proper view of Jesus Christ will give us the edge on our problems and otherwise divisive issues. To be prepared for the better/worse, richer/poorer, sickness/health times get John’s perspective. *Let us see Jesus as John saw Him. See Him as…

See him as… I. The Source of All Good Things and Thank Him. Vs. 27-29 II. The Sovereign Over All of Our Lives – and Treat Him So. Vs. 30-35 III. The Savior For All Who Believe – and Take Him. Vs. 32-36 See him as…

*A proper view of Jesus Christ will give us the edge on our problems and otherwise divisive issues. It will help you in your marriage, in your relationships at work, at church, and at school. My new perspective