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Gospel of John Episode 19: exit John the Baptist
19. Exit John the Baptist
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we gather in Your name, trusting in Your presence among us. We seek Your guidance and wisdom as we reflect on the life of John the Baptist. May his example inspire us to live with courage and faith, proclaiming Your truth to the world. Help us to embrace the call to share Your message boldly, just as he did, in Jesus' name, Amen.
John 3:22-36
John 3: 22, After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them and baptized.
Reflection
Following His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus and His disciples traveled to the Judean countryside to conduct baptisms. However, as noted in John 4:2, it was actually His disciples who performed the baptisms, rather than Jesus Himself. Today, the region of Judea and Samaria is known as the West Bank.
John 3: 23-24, John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized; for John was not yet thrown into prison.
Reflection
John the Baptist was also baptizing his followers at Aenon, near Salim. This marked a significant moment in John's ministry as he gathered disciples who were seeking spiritual renewal and preparation for the coming Messiah.
John 3: 25-26,Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jews about purification. They came to John and said to him, Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, he baptizes, and everyone is coming to him.
Reflection
John the Baptist’s followers expressed concern that Jesus was gaining popularity and that more people were seeking baptism from him. This reaction highlighted the competitive nature of their ministry and the fear of losing influence. However, John's response would ultimately reveal the true heart of his mission and his understanding of his role in God's plan.
John 3:27, John answered, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven.
Reflection
John the Baptist acknowledged that it is within God's authority to grant blessings to whomever He chooses. He recognized his role and held no jealousy toward Jesus' achievements. A person can accomplish nothing without God's empowerment, and ultimately, all success in ministry is due to God's influence.
John 3:28-29, You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before him.’ 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. This, my joy, therefore is made full.
Reflection
John the Baptist declared himself merely as a voice; a messenger and a forerunner, referring to Jesus as the bridegroom. He emphasized that the bride, symbolizing the church, rightfully belonged to Christ, not to him. As the best man, his role was to wait, listen, and celebrate the moment he heard the bridegroom's voice. In a true spirit of humility, John rejoiced knowing that more people were turning to Jesus rather than to him. He understood that his purpose was to prepare the way for Christ.
John 3: 30, He must increase, but I must decrease.
Reflection
John the Baptist humbly diminished his own significance in order to elevate that of Jesus. As his ministry approached its conclusion, he faced imminent arrest and martyrdom at the hands of King Herod. He boldly articulated his mission statement, He must increase, but I must decrease. John set a remarkable example for us, reminding us of the importance of humility and selflessness in our journey of faith.
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By Dr. Andrew C S Koh19. Exit John the Baptist
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we gather in Your name, trusting in Your presence among us. We seek Your guidance and wisdom as we reflect on the life of John the Baptist. May his example inspire us to live with courage and faith, proclaiming Your truth to the world. Help us to embrace the call to share Your message boldly, just as he did, in Jesus' name, Amen.
John 3:22-36
John 3: 22, After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them and baptized.
Reflection
Following His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus and His disciples traveled to the Judean countryside to conduct baptisms. However, as noted in John 4:2, it was actually His disciples who performed the baptisms, rather than Jesus Himself. Today, the region of Judea and Samaria is known as the West Bank.
John 3: 23-24, John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized; for John was not yet thrown into prison.
Reflection
John the Baptist was also baptizing his followers at Aenon, near Salim. This marked a significant moment in John's ministry as he gathered disciples who were seeking spiritual renewal and preparation for the coming Messiah.
John 3: 25-26,Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jews about purification. They came to John and said to him, Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, he baptizes, and everyone is coming to him.
Reflection
John the Baptist’s followers expressed concern that Jesus was gaining popularity and that more people were seeking baptism from him. This reaction highlighted the competitive nature of their ministry and the fear of losing influence. However, John's response would ultimately reveal the true heart of his mission and his understanding of his role in God's plan.
John 3:27, John answered, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven.
Reflection
John the Baptist acknowledged that it is within God's authority to grant blessings to whomever He chooses. He recognized his role and held no jealousy toward Jesus' achievements. A person can accomplish nothing without God's empowerment, and ultimately, all success in ministry is due to God's influence.
John 3:28-29, You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before him.’ 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. This, my joy, therefore is made full.
Reflection
John the Baptist declared himself merely as a voice; a messenger and a forerunner, referring to Jesus as the bridegroom. He emphasized that the bride, symbolizing the church, rightfully belonged to Christ, not to him. As the best man, his role was to wait, listen, and celebrate the moment he heard the bridegroom's voice. In a true spirit of humility, John rejoiced knowing that more people were turning to Jesus rather than to him. He understood that his purpose was to prepare the way for Christ.
John 3: 30, He must increase, but I must decrease.
Reflection
John the Baptist humbly diminished his own significance in order to elevate that of Jesus. As his ministry approached its conclusion, he faced imminent arrest and martyrdom at the hands of King Herod. He boldly articulated his mission statement, He must increase, but I must decrease. John set a remarkable example for us, reminding us of the importance of humility and selflessness in our journey of faith.
,
,
,
,
,