After Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River, some of John's disciples heard that Jesus was also baptizing people and they asked John about it. This was John's reply from John 3:27-30:
27 John answered, A man can receive nothing [he can claim nothing, he can take unto himself nothing] except as it has been granted to him from heaven. [A man must be content to receive the gift which is given him from heaven; there is no other source.] 28 You yourselves are my witnesses [you personally bear me out] that I stated, I am not the Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), but I have [only] been sent before Him [in advance of Him, to be His appointed forerunner, His messenger, His announcer]. 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the groomsman who stands by and listens to him rejoices greatly and heartily on account of the bridegroom's voice. This then is my pleasure and joy, and it is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. [He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so.]
John knew that he was sent to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. He accomplished what God called him to do! He was not jealous of Jesus, but proclaimed, even here, Who Jesus was! Look at verses 31-35:
31 He Who comes from above (heaven) is [far] above all [others]; he who comes from the earth belongs to the earth, and talks the language of earth [his words are from an earthly standpoint]. He Who comes from heaven is [far] above all others [far superior to all others in prominence and in excellence]. 32 It is to what He has [actually] seen and heard that He bears testimony, and yet no one accepts His testimony [no one receives His evidence as true]. 33 Whoever receives His testimony has set his seal of approval to this: God is true. [That man has definitely certified, acknowledged, declared once and for all, and is himself assured that it is divine truth that God cannot lie]. 34 For since He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaims God's own message], God does not give Him His Spirit sparingly or by measure, but boundless is the gift God makes of His Spirit! 35 The Father loves the Son and has given (entrusted, committed) everything into His hand.
John was telling people right here Who Jesus was! Anyone listening to John and believing the testimony of John would be looking to Jesus from this! Then John goes on to actually preach the Gospel! Verse 36:
36 And he who believes in (has faith in, clings to, relies on) the Son has (now possesses) eternal life. But whoever disobeys (is unbelieving toward, refuses to trust in, disregards, is not subject to) the Son will never see (experience) life, but [instead] the wrath of God abides on him. [God's displeasure remains on him; His indignation hangs over him continually.]
Some people believed this and some did not. Those who already led a life of reverence for the Lord and His Word would know, but those who didn't would not! The Word of God tells us that understanding of the Word of God is a spiritual matter (1 Corinthians 2:14)! If you find that you do NOT understand the Word of God, then you must first of all make sure that YOU are putting your faith, trust and confidence in Jesus Christ, and His death, burial and resurrection, for your eternal salvation. Go to The Spoken Word Church website through the link on the left to find out more. Once you have received Jesus as Lord and personal Savior, then you need to be FILLED with the Holy Spirit! You can also learn more about this on our website! As the Holy Spirit is our Teacher, this step is vital for a true and deeper understanding of God's Word! Don't allow another day to go by without receiving, and walking in, ALL that God intends for you to have. We are, of all people, most blessed. We should look and sound like it! TELL THE WORLD! They need to hear! AMEN! Hear is Hillsong United with "Tell The World":
Shalom in Him!
