Message by Larry Thacker Jr from March 24, “Believe and Obey”
Last Sunday, we discussed that well-known passage in John, Chapter 3, where Jesus explains to Nicodemus that one must be “born again” to enter God’s kingdom. Here we have the Gospel message in Jesus’ own words, containing the famous verse we all know and love, ““For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (3:16)
This week, we pick up Chapter 3 from verse 22. Both John the Baptist and Jesus are baptizing, and John’s disciples note that Jesus is beginning to draw away followers. John’s response is a humble one. To highly paraphrase his answer, “I told you I wasn’t the one. He’s supposed to outshine me, and I am pumped that it’s happening!”
John’s mission was always to point to Jesus. Now, Jesus will take the spotlight. It’s possible that what we read starting with verse 31 is actually the commentary of John the disciple on what he has just written. The writing style does lend credence to this thought, but either way, the truth remains. The final word on the subject is in verse 36, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” Choose life today
