As we continue our study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse 22 of Chapter 3. Jesus was in Jerusalem for His first Passover since beginning His Ministry. He had cleared the Temple (which He would do again 3 years later), had officially made Himself known to the Pharisees and the religious leaders, and to those who would listen to His message, and now He was moving on. The Word says:
“After this, Jesus and His disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where He spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. (This was before John was put in prison) An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan – the one you testified about – look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him. To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of Him. The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.”
John 3: 22-30
John the Baptist was the first Prophet in Israel in 400 years. God had spoken to John about what he was to do. He was born for such a time as this. The King was coming. John’s job was to prepare the way. John publicly criticized both Herod, and the religious leaders using words that would get him thrown into prison, and they captured the attention of the people. They began to come to hear him Preach. But his message to them was : “Repent of your sins, (whatever they are to you) and be baptized to wash away your sins. Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” God was sending large crowds of people to him to hear him, and be baptized, John was doing exactly what he was born to do. He was preparing the way for the Messiah telling the people He was coming. When God showed John who the Messiah was, His own relative Jesus, as Jesus was anointed by the sweet Dove of the Holy Spirit, and by the Father’s voice confirming: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” at His baptism, John never questioned it. God had told him these signs would be how he would know. He believed. He knew his job had been done, and that he must now back away. The Bridegroom, the Messiah, was now present. He could hear His voice.
John had baptized with water. It was an outward symbol of repentance. John was greatly respected as a Prophet. He had the people’s attention. Eyes were on him. But The One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit within was now on the job. (John 1:33,34) He must become greater in the eyes of the people. They must be told of His baptism of Love. This John did. This we must do.
May the Lord bless you, and keep you, God’s Beloveds. May He give you perfect health, and may He prosper you in all good things.
Agape Love and peace to you, and yours, my Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus.
Poppa B.