John’s Final Eulogy

John 3:25–36
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Testimony

Knowing a teachable moment had presented itself, John informs his students that one “can receive only what is given him from heaven (v. 31).” The point of this affirmation is clear. Knowing God has given everything, one who loves God should not envy another person’s gifts, abilities, or accomplishments. John understood his role in relation to Jesus to be that of the “best man” to the groom at a wedding. John instructed those that had supported and followed his ministry that Jesus must become greater, while he “must become less.” John knew that he was “from the earth,” while Jesus, as God’s Son, was “from heaven” (vv. 32-35). John taught his disciples that their relation to Jesus determines life itself, for rejection of Jesus brings about God’s wrath (v. 36). Therefore the one who accepts Jesus and the truth of His message avoids God’s wrath, participates in the life of the Spirit, and has life eternal. That life is not as a gift in the future but is a present reality that begins at the moment Jesus is accepted by faith and begins a relationship John’s final eulogy (vv. 31–36) did many things. It is an independent testimony establishing that Jesus’ origin was heavenly (v. 31), that Jesus preached a heavenly message from God (vv. 32–33), and that this message deals with every man’s eternal destiny (vv. 34-36).

Application

It is my desire to have a testimony like John that is not about me but about Christ and all that He has done for me and what He wants to do for the people I’m sharing it with.

John 3:25-36 (English Standard Version)

Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness--look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him." John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.' The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease." He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

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