RPG Adults
NOT I BUT CHRIST
LORD’S DAY, APRIL 27
John 3:22-36
Proverbs 18:12
“He must increase,
but I must decrease.”
NOT I BUT CHRIST
John 3:22 says Jesus baptised. John 4:2 however clarifies that Jesus did not personally baptise but left the work to His disciples who baptised on His behalf. The fact that Jesus did not Himself baptise but got His disciples to do it reveals that He was greater than John. In other words, John was a disciple of Jesus just like the other disciples who baptised under His supervision. By baptising those who came to Him, Jesus showed that water baptism is important. However, it must be noted that water baptism is necessary for obedience, but not necessary for salvation. Baptism does not save. The water has no power. The water symbolises the cleansing power of the Word of God (John 15:3) and of the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7). The power is in the Word and the Blood.
John was a most humble man. He rejoiced over the fact that more people were going to Jesus for baptism instead of him. He knew his position in relation to his Lord. He realised that his ministry came from God in the first place. His ministry and the success that followed came from God Himself. There was nothing for him to boast about. All credit should go to God alone. John reminded the people that he was not the Christ, just His forerunner. Christ is the Bridegroom. The Church which is His Bride belongs to Him (2 Cor 11:2). John was but a “friend of the bridegroom” or the bridegroom’s best man. The bridegroom is the centre of attention at a wedding, not the best man. He is there only to assist the groom. That was why John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This ought to be the motto of every minister of the Gospel. John exalts Jesus by telling the people who Jesus really is. Jesus is God Himself. He comes from heaven. He speaks the Word of God infallibly and authoritatively. He is filled with the Spirit without limit. The Father loves Him and has given Him all things. All of mankind is accountable to Him. He is both Saviour and Judge.
THOUGHT: “Obedience is the mistress of humility.” (Calvin)
PRAYER: Father, make me humble be.