Small Group Lesson Plan December 10th: The Book of John 3:22-36

The Book of John Chapter 3 Continued

The second part of John chapter 3 focuses on a transfer of John’s ministry over to Jesus. You may recall that a few weeks ago when we talked about chapter 1 we saw how John was a launching pad for Jesus’ ministry and right after Jesus comes onto the scene John cries out, “behold, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”. All that John did and said pointed to Jesus. What I find odd is in chapter 1 John makes it clear to all that Jesus is the point, he is why John is baptizing people but oddly he’s not part of the disciple group that Jesus assembles. In fact, shortly after Jesus’ ministry gets into full swing John is arrested and then beheaded. That’s tough to digest - shouldn't John's devotion equate to him being rewarded with a leadership role, being Jesus' right hand man? I thought this was a good perspective to have and something to ponder before we jump back into chapter 3 in John because we get to see how consistent John is with his ministry and in his heart despite the outcome. So before we jump into the text for today:

Discussion question: Is there something in your life that just doesn’t seem fair? Maybe even God seems to be silent on the matter? This isn’t a time to just say, “well, I guess I’m supposed to be like John and be a good soldier and get in line”, or "God just doesn't listen and doesn't care". This is an opportunity to identify that thing(s) and bring it to the Lord. John didn’t get to see Jesus’ response when his disciples told him that Herod had executed John. But in Matthew 14:13 we see that Jesus heard of John’s death and withdrew to a desolate place to mourn. Lift up injustice to God, trust that he hears and knows, and know that he cares and will bring justice in every situation either on this side of heaven or the next. 

Ok, now diving into the rest of the chapter......

John clearly has created quite a stir among the Jewish people since we are told that he and his disciples continue to baptize people and call them to repentance, preparing the way for Jesus' ministry - John was like the opening band for a headlining act that everyone has been anticipating. John could have fallen into the trap of wanting some of the spotlight and in verse 26 we see that his disciples might have started to go down that path. They have noticed this new guy on the scene, Jesus, copying them, baptizing people and he's also gaining quite a following. In fact, John's disciples let him know that the people are starting to go to Jesus now instead of John and they don't seem too stoked on this shift in popularity. John's response is so good. In fact, all of his responses (v 27-30) can be summed up in verse 30: "He must increase, but I must decrease". This statement is so true in everything in our lives. There is nothing bigger than God - he is the God of the universe and literally everything is underneath him. This statement is also true as we prioritize our lives - everything is under this authority, his command, his leadership, his direction, and his faithfulness. Sickness, pain, heartache, evil, injustice, joy, wealth or lack thereof, adventure, promotion - literally all of it is not too big for him to lead us, teach us, and love us through.

Discussion question: Where do you need to see God come through in your life? Or, where do you need to give God credit where you've attempted to receive the glory belonging to him? As we think through and talk through these things, remember that God abounds in love and grace. He knows where we are weak, where we fail, and he loves us through it all. He nurtures us through it all, there is no guilt and shame in this process. Where must God increase in your life and where must you decrease? (Of course the easy answer is 'everywhere in my life' and that's true, but where do you feel stuck or sense a growth opportunity that you can focus on with the Father that you can identify and lift up specifically?)

Verses 31-36:

In verse 31 I think it's important to see the purpose of these sentences - Jesus is above all because he is from heaven. He's been sent by the Father which gives him authority here on earth. His citizenship is heaven so he speaks in a way that is from above. This isn't just a command structure being put into place but it's an effort by John to shift the focus of his disciples (and his readers) from the things of this earth to the God in heaven. One way to make this shift is found in the second sentence of this verse because we see that people that are focused on earthly things can only speak of earthly things - they can't be rooted in the things of this world and speak with wisdom and power from heaven. Verse 32 supports this theory with the notion that Jesus is not just filled with heavenly wisdom, he also speaks from the experience of being in heaven with the Father so his testimony is based on what he's seen and heard. And, because the Father loves the Son (verse 35) we are told that as a result of this fatherly love Jesus has been empowered with all things - literally every authority has been given to him. The direct result from this empowerment is the salvation that only Jesus can offer because he has been granted that authority from the Father. John is explaining to his disciples why he must decrease so Jesus must increase. Jesus is sent to earth from heaven by his Father. He has been empowered by the Father with all wisdom, knowledge, and power. And through this empowerment he is able to transform hearts and minds and eventually conquer the power of sin and death through his death and resurrection. As we decrease and Christ increases in our lives, the power that he posses begins to transform us in ways that we are not capable of doing ourselves.

Discussion questions: How does this knowledge resonate with you today? How, or maybe where, does your focus need to shift? What are some examples or ways of how we can identify what is being presented from an earthly basis and focus (verse 31) without judging? The scene of John baptizing within eyesight of Jesus also baptizing is such a good visualization I think of how we partner with Jesus in this life. We do the work/ministry that we're called to do for him, because of him, empowered by him, and (maybe most importantly) with him! What is your ministry calling? Where are you getting to partner with Jesus in this life, baptizing in the waters alongside him, leading others into the freedom and hope that is only offered from the Father through the Son? If you're not sure, that's ok, lift that up to God expressing your desire to jump in and be used by him and for him. Maybe you're already in the waters like John, which is so amazing, what a blessing! If that's the case, is there anywhere that you need to shift your focus back to the Father?