Author Archives: Covenant Presbyterian

Scripture: John 3:30 (ESV) – “He must increase, but I must decrease.” In this short yet powerful statement, John the Baptist expresses the essence of his mission and the heart of true Christian humility. As Jesus’ ministry grows, John recognizes that his own influence must fade. He does not resist this transition or seek toContinue reading “He Must Increase, but I Must Decrease”

Scripture: John 3:29 (ESV) – “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.” John the Baptist continues to explain his role in relation to Jesus by using the imagery ofContinue reading “The Joy of the Bridegroom’s Friend”

Scripture: John 3:28 (ESV) – “You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’” John the Baptist continues his response to his disciples’ concerns by reminding them of something he had already made clear: he was never the Christ. His role was always toContinue reading “A Faithful Witness”

Scripture: John 3:27 (ESV) – “John answered, ‘A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.’” John the Baptist responds to his disciples’ concerns about Jesus’ growing influence with a profound truth: every role, gift, and success in ministry comes from God alone. Rather than feeling threatened by Jesus’ risingContinue reading “A Gift from Heaven”

Scripture: John 3:26 (ESV) – “And they came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.’” This verse reveals the concern of John the Baptist’s disciples as they observe the growing popularity of Jesus.Continue reading “John’s Disciples Question Jesus’ Growing Influence”

Scripture: John 3:25 (ESV) – “Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification.” This verse introduces a dispute between John the Baptist’s disciples and a certain Jew regarding purification. Though we are not given the full details of the discussion, it likely revolved around the meaning and significance ofContinue reading “A Dispute Over Purification”

Scripture: John 3:24 (ESV) – “For John had not yet been put in prison.” This verse serves as a historical marker in John’s Gospel, providing context for the events being described. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), which introduce Jesus’ public ministry after John the Baptist’s imprisonment, John’s Gospel clarifies that there wasContinue reading “John’s Ministry Before Imprisonment”

Scripture: John 3:23 (ESV) – “John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized.” This verse provides an important glimpse into the ongoing ministry of John the Baptist, even as Jesus’ ministry begins to grow. John continues his work of calling people to repentance,Continue reading “John’s Continued Ministry”

Scripture: John 3:22 (ESV) – “After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.” This verse marks a transition in John’s Gospel, showing Jesus moving from His conversation with Nicodemus to a more public ministry in the Judean countryside. Here, we see Jesus spendingContinue reading “Jesus and His Disciples Baptizing”