John 3:22-36 Greater is He

John 3 
John the Baptist Exalts Jesus 
22 Then Jesus and His disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people. 23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. 24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.) 25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to Him instead of coming to us.” 27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for Him.’ 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at His success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. 31 “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but He has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. 32 He testifies about what He has seen and heard, but how few believe what He tells them! 33 Anyone who accepts His testimony can affirm that God is true. 34 For He is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives Him the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves His Son and has put everything into His hands. 36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”

When someone succeeds in something, what emotions do we experience? Is there sincerity in our joy for them? Are we jealous? Do we applaud their success or do we secretly hope they fail? 

John's disciples seem to complain that Jesus is more popular then they are. John uses the analogy of the groom and best man to explain to his disciples who he is compared to Jesus. 

John goes on to explain Jesus is God's Son and to believe in Him is eternal life. John spoke plainly and boldly for Jesus. He knew his purpose and used every waking moment to fulfill it. 

What about you? What is your purpose? Has God shown you what He wants you to do for Him? 

Lord, help each of us discover Your purpose for us. Show us how we can serve you, what we can do for Your kingdom. Slow our busy minds and help us focus on You today. 
We ask this in Your name Lord Jesus, Amen

Blessings, Cecilia