The Witness: Jesus Christ (3:31-36)

Jesus the Witness (3:31–36)

Bible scholars disagree on whether John the apostle or John the Baptist is speaking in John 3:31–36. Some students think that John 3:16–21 came from the apostle John, not the Lord Jesus. Early manuscripts didn't have quotation marks, but since all Scripture is inspired, it doesn't really matter who said the words.

The main point of this paragraph is witness, which is one of the most important topics in John's gospel. The Greek word for "witness" or "testimony" is used forty-seven times. John testified about Jesus (John 1:7; 5:33), but Jesus also testified about the truth. Why should we listen to what He says? There are several reasons why we should heed His words.

He came from heaven (v. 31). He was not just called from heaven or got power from heaven; He came from heaven. The Jews argued with this claim because they knew it was His claim that He was God (John 6:38–42). John the Baptist was not "from above," and he never claimed to be. There was no earthly messenger of God who came "from above." Only Jesus Christ can say that and back it up with evidence.

Jesus came from heaven, so He is one with the Father. If you don't believe what He says, you don't believe the Father (John 5:23). We know that what He says is true because He is the real God. We can depend on Him, and we can trust Him.

Jesus comes straight from the Father (vv. 32–33). He tells us what He has seen and heard from the Father (John 8:38). People who listen to His testimony and do what He says know from their experience that it is true (John 7:17). We shouldn't study our Lord's teachings as if they were separate from our daily lives. We see the truth and feel the power of His Word when we follow it.

The Father has given His Son permission (vv. 34–35). God sent Him (another important truth in John's gospel); God gave Him the Word; God gave Him the Spirit; and God gave Him everything (John 13:3). What a commissioning! If you don't believe the Son's witness, you're going against the highest authority in the universe.

We often think of God's love for a world that has gone astray (John 3:16), but John also reminds us of the Father's love for His Son. Matthew 3:16 says that Jesus is the Father's "beloved Son." (Matt. 3:17, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22). The Father loves the Son and has given Him everything. He shows Him everything (John 5:20). It is a love that doesn't hold anything back.

So, when we accept His testimony, we get to share in His love and wealth. To deny Christ's testimony is to transgress against love and truth. It's no surprise that our Lord cried for Jerusalem (Matt. 23:37–39). They had turned down His testimony, which included both His words and His miracles. Because they did, they were judged.

We may avoid God's anger (v. 36). This is the only time John uses the word "wrath" in any of his letters or his gospel. (He uses it six times in the book of Revelation.) This verse is similar to John 3:18 and stresses that we can't be neutral about Jesus Christ's witness: we either believe in Him or we don't.

"Everlasting life" doesn't just mean living forever in heaven.  It is the life of God in the person who believes, and the believer has that life right now! The opposite of living forever is dying forever, which is God's anger. God's anger does not mean that someone has to die and go to hell. "He that believeth not is condemned already" (John 3:18). The sentence has not yet been carried out, even though the verdict has already been given. Why? God is patient and long-suffering, and He keeps calling sinners to turn away from their sins (2 Peter 3:9).

When you read John 3, you can see that the apostle John is stressing the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

This relationship begins when we experience a new birth, also known as being born from above. We become part of God's family and share Jesus Christ's life when we let Him into our lives.

It is also a loving relationship because He is the Bridegroom and we are the bride. We want Jesus Christ to be magnified while we become more miniscule, just like John the Baptist. He should get all the praise and honor.

It is a relationship where you learn from Him because He is faithful.

He serves as a faithful witness, revealing the truth about God to us. It is such a joy to read His Word, think (meditate on) about it, and live it.

However, we should never forget that these blessings do not come without a cost. Jesus Christ had to die for us to be part of God's family. He endured men's hatred and condemnation so we could have a loving and secure  relationship with Him. He had to be raised on the cross so that we could be forgiven and live forever.

We should never take this for granted.

"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30).