John the Baptist's Public Ministry (11): John's Comparison of Himself and Jesus (John 3:27-36) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. Their Roles
II. Their Origins
III. Their Trajectories
"John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:27-36).
Why were some of John the Baptist's disciples jealous for their master? What lessons do we learn from John's answer about the glory of Christ, God's sovereign will regarding "success" in the church, the attitude of Christian ministers, self-pity, etc.?