09 John the Baptist: Forerunner to Follower (John 3:22-36)
While John the Baptist was a significant historical figure, his primary mission was to prepare for Jesus’ coming. In this narrative, John affirms his contentment and joy with following God’s plan for him.
John the Baptist is not the Christ
The Apostle John wants to ensure we know he was not the Messiah because:
- John the Baptist was the first genuine prophet in about 400 years.
- He was very popular with the people.
- Jesus places John the Baptist at the pinnacle of the prophets.
- Decades after his death, there were disciples of John the Baptist who had not heard about Jesus (Acts 19).
- Secular histories record more about John the Baptist than about Jesus.
- John the Baptist was an extremely important figure.
Disciples’ Concerns
The narrative captures an essential transition—Jesus’ growing influence juxtaposed with John’s role as a forerunner.
- Both Jesus and his disciples and John and his disciples are baptizing in the Judean countryside.
- John’s disciples express concern that Jesus is attracting more followers than John the Baptist.
John’s Confidence and Joy
- John the Baptist is confident he is doing exactly what God wants him to do.
- He is content with his role.
- Grumbling, complaining, and coveting the roles of others is pointless.
- Of course, Jesus is drawing more crowds. He’s the Messiah.
The Best Man
- The best man at a wedding plays an important role.
- He helped ask for the hand of the bride. He arranged the details of the wedding feast. He oversees the reception and celebration.
- But the best man does not leave with the bride.
- His cup of joy overflowed because everyone can now hear the voice of the bridegroom instead of his own voice.
- Like the Best Man at a wedding, John the Baptist’s job is almost done.
Heavenly vs Earthly Messengers
- Old Testament prophets of God (earthly messengers) were limited in their understanding. God gave them glimpses into the Messiah.
- The Messiah (heavenly messenger) is different.
- The Messiah does not speak from visions or dreams. The Messiah talks to God face to face. He speaks from first-hand knowledge.
- Compare with Hebrews 1:1-5.
- The Messiah testified to us in a way the other prophets could not testify and yet many rejected his testimony.
John’s concluding point: whoever believe in the Son has eternal life and whoever rejects the son will experience the wrath of God.
Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.
Next: 10 Living Water: The Woman at the Well, Part 1 (John 4)
Previous: 08 Nicodemus: For God so loved the world (John 3:14-21)
Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find Life
Study: Gospel of John Bible Study Resources
Podcast season 25, episode 9