Tuesday, February 7, 2012

John 3:22-36 (Good News Translation)

Come Together in Faith and Proclaim God’s Love and Mercy

Introduction

John 3:22-36: The disciples of John the Baptist speak to him about those who are now being baptized by Jesus and following him. John acknowledges that his own ministry must now decrease as the ministry of Jesus increases.

Today's Scripture: John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not have life, but will remain under God’s punishment.

Today's Reading

²² After this, Jesus and his disciples went to the province of Judea, where he spent some time with them and baptized. ²³ John also was baptizing in Aenon, not far from Salim, because there was plenty of water in that place. People were going to him, and he was baptizing them. ( ²⁴ This was before John had been put in prison.) ²⁵ Some of John's disciples began arguing with a Jew about the matter of ritual washing. ²⁶ So they went to John and told him, “Teacher, you remember the man who was with you on the east side of the Jordan, the one you spoke about? Well, he is baptizing now, and everyone is going to him!” ²⁷ John answered, “No one can have anything unless God gives it. ²⁸ You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, “I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.” ²⁹ The bridegroom is the one to whom the bride belongs; but the bridegroom's friend, who stands by and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom's voice. This is how my own happiness is made complete. ³⁰ He must become more important while I become less important. ” ³¹ He who comes from above is greater than all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly matters, but he who comes from heaven is above all. ³² He tells what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his message. ³³ But whoever accepts his message confirms by this that God is truthful. ³⁴ The one whom God has sent speaks God's words, because God gives him the fullness of his Spirit. ³⁵ The Father loves his Son and has put everything in his power. ³⁶ Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not have life, but will remain under God's punishment.

Reflect

In today’s reading, the ministries of Jesus and John appear to occur simultaneously. What is John’s reaction to what his disciples tell him? What are your thoughts about John’s words in verse 30? How are his words an indication of his faithfulness and witness?

Pray

Lord Jesus, I rejoice with you when others accept you as their Savior. Like John the Baptist, my happiness is complete when I hear and obey your voice. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those who have been newly baptized

Tomorrow's Reading

John 4:1-42: Jesus reveals to a Samaritan woman that he is the Messiah.