Share Life
This term, let’s keep chatting about our evangelism as a church, so that we can pray for each other.
How did you go?
Debrief about the first Share Life Sunday.
Were you prayerful?
Did you bring guests?
What stories are there to share?
What was encouraging?
What could you do better next week?
Pray
Give thanks and pray for your guests.
Opening Up
In today’s passage, we see the ongoing ministry of John the Baptist and potential clashes with the developing ministry of Jesus. The sinful nature naturally breeds unhealthy competition and conflict, but John’s response to Jesus’ growing popularity is the key here.
Have you ever been a best man or maid of honour at a wedding? If so, what was your role?
Have you ever felt competitive with people in other congregations, ministries or churches? How did it affect our common gospel cause of building God’s kingdom?
Read
John 3:22–36
John Testifies Again About Jesus
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
Digging In
3. What stood out to you or surprised you? What questions arise from the passage?
4. According to John 1:6-8, what is John the Baptist’s God-given role?
5. In John 2:22-27, what evidence do we see that John understands his role?
In John 3:25, we don’t know the exact nature of the argument that developed between John’s disciples and a certain Jewish man about ceremonial washing.
6. According to John 3:26, after arguing with this man, what are John’s disciples feeling?
7. In John 3:27-30, what does John the Baptist’s response reveal about:
a. Jesus
b. John the Baptist
8. How common is it to hear someone joyfully announce that another person must become greater as they themselves become lesser? Why?
9. How does your attitude towards the Lord Jesus reflect John’s humility when he said, “the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:27)?
10. Are there relationships with others where we need to take this humble attitude?
The disciple John’s testimony in John 3:31-32 is a striking echo of Jesus’ own words to Nicodemus (3:11-13).
11. In John 3:33-35, what is revealed about the nature and authority of Jesus’ testimony?
12. Why is it right and good to place our faith in Jesus? What is the cost of rejection (v.35-36)?
Taking it with you