Series: Light And Life [#8]
MORE OF JESUS, LESS OF ME
John 3:22-36
Introduction:
What is your biggest flaw? Mine is being too handsome. In truth, I am my own biggest enemy. Every time I try to do better, I don’t. Every time I try to figure things out, I don’t. John the Baptist gives us the best advice that he could have ever given us- “He must become greater; I must become less.” This morning we are going to use John the Baptist’s example in how to become less and allow Jesus to become greater in our lives.
John 3:22-26 (NIV)
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.”
To have more of Jesus…
1. Lose your ego.
We have studied about John the Baptist in this series already. John the Baptist had explained that he wasn’t fit to tie Jesus’ shoes. He explained that his baptism was different than the baptism of Jesus. So, what did John the Baptist’s followers do? 1st, they argued with some religious leader; and then they complained that Jesus had more people following Him than John the Baptist did.
John the Baptist knew that it wasn’t about himself, but about Jesus. If you want Jesus to take over your life; and really lead you in all that you do, it is time to get over yourself.
John 3:27-30 (NIV)
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.”
To have more of Jesus…
2. Accept who you are.
The people in our nation have a serious problem with understanding that God made us in His image. God created male and female. God chooses when you are born, where you are born, and who your family is. God chooses your role in His Kingdom.
There are some here this morning who think much less of themselves and God’s call on your life; than God does. You focus on how worthless you are and forget as a Christian, you have the power of God living in you. On your own, you are nothing; but through Jesus Christ, you can do all things that are a part of God’s plan for you.
John 3:31-36 (NIV)
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.33Whoever 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.
To have more of Jesus…
3. Trust in His testimony.
The testimony of Jesus is this- He, being God the Son, left Heaven and took on the form of man as a baby. He grew up and at age 30, His earthy ministry began. At the end of 3 years of ministry, Jesus was crucified on a cross. While He was on the cross, He went from being perfect to becoming the sin of all of the world. Jesus died and was buried in a borrowed tomb. Jesus went to Hell for us; but on the 3rd day through the power of God, Jesus was physically raised from the dead.
The only way to have eternal salvation is through the testimony of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only way to eternal life.
Conclusion:
“He must become greater; I must become less.” This should be the goal of every Christian. I pray that you will allow Jesus to become greater in your life.
