This message explores John the Baptist’s words about being a friend of the bridegroom, and “he must become greater, I must become less.”
(John 3:22-36)
Sermon Outline
“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.” (John 3:29)
Gift: Our Life is a Gift from God (John 3:27)
- John’s life and ministry was a gift
- Jesus’ life and ministry is a gift
Friend: A Picture of Our Relationship to Jesus (John 3:28-29)
- The Bridegroom
- The Bride
- The Friend of the Bridegroom
Joyfully Second Place: He Becomes Greater – We Become Less (3:29-30)
- “That joy is mine, and it is now complete”
- He must become greater
- I must become less
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What has brought you some of your greatest joy in life?
- This week we continue our sermon series “Look for the Signs,” by focusing on John 3:22-36. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read that portion aloud.
- What is the situation in verses 22-26 that brings rise to John’s statements in verses 27-30? What is going on with his disciples?
- What does John know about himself as expressed in verses 27-30? What does John know about Jesus as related in these verses?
- Why do you think John the Baptist experiences such joy in Jesus here?
- John the Baptist is portrayed as an ideal disciple in this gospel. Because of this, his words in verse 30 are an example for us. What do you think it means for us to decrease as Jesus increases?
- Verses 31-36 serve as a sort of summary, most likely by John the Evangelist who is writing the gospel. What stands out most to you from this summary paragraph?
- What is one thing you sense God is bringing to your attention through this week’s study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
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Exploring Faith: John the Baptist experiences a full and overflowing sense of joy with Jesus’ arrival. Why do you think John experiences this joy. What would it take for you to experience joy in relation to Jesus?
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Growing in Faith: John the Baptist is portrayed as an ‘ideal disciple’ in the gospel of John. Take a moment to read the portions of Scripture that talk about him: John 1:6-8, 15, 18-28, 29-34, 35-38; 3:22-36. From these readings, develop a list of characteristics of John the Baptist. What is one characteristic you would like to grow in?
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Centered in Faith: Sometimes there can be a strange sense of competition in church about who is more mature or doing more for God’s kingdom. John the Baptist seems utterly free from this. What might it look like for you to grow in promoting and encouraging others in their faith and service within the church?