After Jesus' late-night conversation with Nicodemus, John's Gospel shifts the focus back to John the Baptist, a man whose mission is nearly complete. Crowds are still coming to him, but now they're beginning to follow Jesus. For many, that change would have stirred jealousy or competition. Yet John responds with Julie. He understood that ministry was never about popularity, influence, or comparison. It was about pointing people to Christ. In this episode, Pastor Harry Barens addresses the temptation yet churches, ministries, and believers often face. The drive to be bigger, better, and more admired than others. Through John's example, we see it what real ministry looks like, rooted in humility, love, and faithfulness. We are not called to boast in success, but to love well and exalt Jesus above all. Join Pastor Harry Barens as he unpacks John chapter 3, verses 22 to 36 and shows how John's humility offers us a model to follow, a ministry marked by service, not self-promotion, by love, not rivalry, and by the desire to glorify Christ above all. Here's Pastor Harry Barens with today's teaching.

Hello and welcome again to the takeaway. I'm your host, Pastor Harry Barns, and in today's episode, we're diving into the closing verses of John chapter 3, verses 22 through 36, where John the Baptist steps aside so that Jesus may be lifted up. Now, before we begin, let's take a moment to look back at what we've already seen in this gospel. From the opening chapter, John has been showing us the glory of Christ. In John chapter 1, we saw Jesus introduced as the eternal word, God made flesh, the true light, who gives life to all who believe. Then in chapter two, we saw his first miracle at the wedding in Cana, turning water into wine, revealing his glory as the obedient son who brings joy and transformation. We also saw him cleanse the temple, showing his authority over worship and his zeal for his father's house. In chapter three, Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus revealed the necessity of being born from above, born of the Spirit, to enter the kingdom of God. We heard the heart of the gospel in those famous words, for God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. And now we reach a pivotal moment where John the Baptist reminds us of what true ministry really looks like. He gives us a model of humility, showing us that our mission is not to outshine others, but to point everyone to Christ. Let's listen carefully as we walk through the text together, learning how John's response exposes our tendency to compete and teaches us instead to love, serve, and exalt Jesus above all. Now looking at verses twenty-two to twenty-four, we read, After this, Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. John was also baptizing at Anon near Sileem because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized, for John had not yet been put in prison. Now here we see the overlap between John's ministry and Jesus' ministry. Both are baptizing, both are drawing crowds, yet only one will remain. This sets the stage for what true faithful ministry looks like. John knew his ministry was not meant to last forever. It had a season and purpose, and now that purpose was being fulfilled. In our culture, many churches, ministries, and individuals are driven to achieve more, more followers, more recognition, more success. Yet rarely do we hear about the seasons of ministry, how God may raise one up for a time and then move them in another way. Some ministries bear long-lasting fruit, while others are meant for a brief season that prepares the soil for another to plant or water. That doesn't make the first ministry lesser or wasted. It means God is weaving a greater harvest through them all. Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 3:6. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. Every calling is part of God's design, pointing people to Jesus, who alone brings the increase. When we understand this, we stop striving for prominence and instead find joy in our purpose. Whatever season we're in, the rising prominence of Christ meant John's fading and he welcomed it. His joy was not in holding the spotlight, but in handing it over. Yet it's at this very point where many stumble. When our influence begins to fade, when the attention that once surrounded us shifts to someone else, pride rises within us. What was once a joyful ministry can suddenly become a competition. The stage that once brought joy to serve now becomes the stumbling block that tempts us to protect our image instead of glorifying Christ. This is exactly what unfolds next. In verses 25 to 26, now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 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 moment captures something deeply human. John's disciples were unsettled. They saw people turning from their ministry to follow Jesus. Their sense of purpose felt threatened. And isn't that what often happens to us? We long to have meaning in what we do, to feel valuable, useful, and needed. But when attention shifts, our fruit seems to fade. Something within us wants to protect what we've built. That instinct reveals how easily we lose sight of a foundational truth that we see in Job chapter 1, verse 21. The Lord gave, and the Lord is taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Seasons change, ministry shift, and opportunities rise and fall, not by accident, but by design. Sometimes God allows a season to end in order to launch something new. Other times, he uses the change to humble us and draw us closer to him. God doesn't need us, he wants us. And what he desires are worshippers who serve in spirit and truth, as Jesus will later teach in chapter four, something we'll explore more deeply in our next episode. But this reminds, this reminder helps us to see that God's work in shifting seasons or removing influence isn't rejection, it's redirection. His love shapes us, much like the loving father who corrects his children so they may walk rightly before him. This was a lesson even Job had to learn. After defending himself and questioning God's ways, the Lord reminded Job of His sovereignty and wisdom in Job chapters 38-42. Job had to see that he didn't fully understand the ways of God, and that his role was not to control outcome, but to worship rightly. Likewise, when our focus drifts from exalting God to protecting our image or influence, he lovingly realigns our hearts. Hebrews 12, 6 reminds us, for the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chase chastises every son whom he receives. This isn't condemnation, it's correction, a general turning back to what truly matters. We often get hung up on our circumstances, forgetting what we were created for, to exalt and glorify him above all else. Our ministries are the fruit of that purpose. And when they cease to glorify him, he may prune, reshape, or even remove them to reveal that we have strayed, as we see in John chapter 15, 1 and 2, where Jesus says, I am the true vine, and my father is divindresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. But his purpose in doing so is not to harm us, it's to bring us back to humility and worship. When we remember that everything we have belongs to him, that it always has and always will, our hearts rest. We no longer cling to what's fading. Instead, we trust the one who gives and takes away, as Psalm 103, 13 and 14 says, as a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him, for he knows our frame, he remembers that we are dust. God's loving correction is never to destroy us, but to shape us into worshippers who reflect his heart. And as we'll see in the next verses, John understood this deeply. His ministry wasn't diminished when people turned to Jesus, it was fulfilled. And that fulfillment released him into the next season God had prepared for him. When we understand that every work of ministry flows from heaven, jealousy dies and joy is born. John's perspective isn't reactionary, it flows from a deep recognition of God's sovereignty over every season and circumstance. Like Job, he's learned that humility and trust are the right posture when God moves. Instead of reacting with fear or envy, John rests in the truth that every ministry, opportunity, and gift comes from above. This prepares us for his next words, an answer that disarms pride and reminds us that all we have belongs to God. In verse 27, we read, John answered, a person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. After seeing how easily jealousy arises, John's reply cuts straight to the heart of pride. Everything, every sermon, every opportunity, every soul one is a gift from God. We are not the source, we are the stewards. When we realize that even our ability to exalt Christ comes from him, we can serve without striving and rejoice when others succeed. Ministry is grace, not achievement. John's statement in verse 27 is the antidote to the competition described in verses 25 and 26. It reminds us that everything we have and everything we are comes from heaven. Faithfulness, not fame, is what God values most. John's statement that everything is given from heaven naturally leads us to his next words. Instead of reacting with offense or envy, John models the humble way forward. He responds with corrective love and that shines a light on Christ rather than himself. His perspective is one we all need to adopt, so that Jesus is glorified not only in our own lives and ministries, but also in the work God is doing through others around us. We are reminded in Ephesians chapter 4, verses 4 to 6 that we are called to be one body, one Lord and one Spirit who operates in unity to glorify the one true God. This sets the stage for what John will say next as we read verses 28 to 30 and see how his humility gives us a framework for Christ-centered ministry. Verses 28 to 30. You yourselves bear me witness that I said I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. 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. He must increase, but I must decrease. Here John gives one of the most beautiful images in all of Scripture. Jesus is the bridegroom. John is the friend who rejoices at his arrival. John's joy is not diminished by Jesus' increase, it is fulfilled. The friend's greatest delight is hearing the bridegroom's voice. That is what every true servant of Christ must learn. The goal is not to be remembered, but to make Christ known. When Christ increases, our hearts find their rightful place. When we decrease, he is magnified. Yet the natural tendency of our hearts is to boast, to crave recognition, and to act out when we don't receive it. Jesus understood this and warned us that when we seek human praise, we already received our reward in Matthew chapter 6, verses 1 to 5. But he also appointed us to the greater eternal reward, one that awaits those who serve and exalt him above self, as we see in Colossians 3, 23 to 24. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. John models this perfectly. Now sadly, many exchange that eternal reward for the fleeting satisfaction of recognition. Let us not lose sight, brothers and sisters, for as Paul reminds us, the day of redemption draws near, Romans 13, 11 to 12. Jesus comes with his reward for those who remain faithful, Revelation 12 or 22 to 12. Behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me to reward each one as his work deserves. But for those who seek the reward now, Scripture says they may still be saved, yet only as through fire, as we see in First Corinthians 3 13 to 15, each one's work will become evident. For the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one's work. If anyone's work which has been built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet only so as through fire. John's perspective gives us the right focus. True joy and eternal reward come when Christ is glorified above all, when our hearts are aligned with heaven's purpose and our ministry reflects his humility. This is the posture of all true ministry, to step aside so that Jesus stands alone in glory. Now in verses thirty-one to thirty-five, it reads, He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets a seal to this that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son, and he has given all things into his hand. Now John now turns our eyes to the supremacy of Jesus. Everything about him is greater his origin, his words, his authority, his spirit, his love from the Father. John fades, and Jesus fills the frame. The Son alone speaks the words of God because he is God. The Father has entrusted all things to him. This means that all glory, all recognition, and all increase belong to Christ alone. These verses remind us that our ministries and teachings today are meant to reflect his words and his heart, not our own. And sadly, many have lost sight of this. Too often a message begins with a verse or two, followed by long stories about the preacher rather than the Savior. But our call is not to speak of ourselves, it's to reveal Christ. The gospels give us a clear picture of who Jesus is, his character, his compassion, and his desire to transform lost souls into living reflections of his glory. We are not producers of light. We are reflectors of it. We shine back to him the light he shines into us. That's why we study the word, not our lives, experiences, or ministries, to find truth and purpose. The world teaches self-promotion, but the way of Christ is self-denial. Real joy and purpose are not found by reflecting on ourselves, but reflecting on him. When we focus inward, we produce darkness. A darkness that consumes, hides, and suffocates with fear, worry, and doubt. But when the light of Christ shines forth, everything changes. It's like a dark room being illuminated. What was lost is found. What was unseen is revealed. And where there was death, life now shines, as we see in 2 Corinthians 4 6. For God, who said, Light shall shine out of darkness, is the one who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. And also Matthew 5, 14 to 16. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Now here is the purpose of our light. As I have been saying, hear this, verse 16. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works. Not for you, but they see your good works, it says, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. The Spirit is given without measure, not to exalt men, but to exalt the Son. And every true work of God's Spirit will point us away from ourselves and toward Jesus, the one who is above all and worthy of all glory. Everything John has said now leads us to the final verse: the command that reveals sin, draws grace, and displays glory. Verse 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. This final verse closes the chapter with a simple but profound truth. Belief exposes Christ. Unbelief conceals him. To believe in the Son is to see him as he truly is. The one who reveals the Father, redeems the loss, and transforms the heart into a vessel of worship that flows with truth and spirit. Faith given by God allows us to behold Jesus in such a way that our hearts are changed and our lives become living testimonies to his glory. Unbelief, on the other hand, is not a neutral position or a future decision. It is the condition we are born into. We do not wake up one day and choose not to believe. We already don't. Our starting point is separation from God, Ephesians 2.1, dead in sin and unable to please him. For anyone to believe, God must first give life. Like Lazarus, we must be called out of darkness and into light, John 11, 43 to 44. Only then can we respond in faith and proclaim the truth. I was dead, but now I live by the grace of God.

J.

Vernon McGee once said, You are drawn by the Father, paid for by the Son, and protected by the Spirit. Faith is not man's achievement, but God's gift, Ephesians 2, 8 and 9. The call to believe is both a divine command and a gracious invitation. It is our responsibility to respond, but the ability to do so comes from him who saves, as Romans 10 17 reminds us, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. But the wrath of God does not suddenly fall on those who reject Christ. It already remains on all who are apart from him. That's why this verse says, remains, not comes. It was our starting point. But belief, true faith in the Son, removes that wrath forever. God's command to believe is not condemnation but mercy. He calls dead souls to life, blind eyes to sight, and hardened hearts to worship. We are fully responsible to respond, but we are wholly dependent on God to make that response possible. If you hear his call today, it's because he is awakening your heart, giving you eyes to see and ears to hear. Cry out to him. John 6 37. And as Hebrews 11 6 reminds us, without faith, it is impossible to please him. Forever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and rewards those who seek him. This is the expository purpose of John's gospel, to expose Jesus fully. Belief reveals his glory, unbelief conceals it. Now may our hearts be among those who believe and live to magnify the name of Jesus, to praise, to the praise of his glorious grace, as Ephesians chapter 1, verse 6 says. The message of John chapter 3, 22 to 36 calls us to a life of humility, surrender, and faith. Like John the Baptist, we are reminded that true ministry is not about building our own reputation, but about making Jesus known. Every gift, opportunity, and moment of influence comes from heaven, and there is no competition in the kingdom, only cooperation for Christ's glory. When we let go of self-promotion and seek only to magnify Him, our joy becomes complete. To exalt Christ, we must first surrender. Our calling is not to build our name, but to lift His high. The more we yield to His will, the more His presence is revealed through us. The command to believe continues to reveal both our need and God's grace. It shows us our inability and points us to the Savior who gives life. Every act of grace, every transformed heart, and every spark of faith exists for one purpose to glorify Him. He must increase and we must decrease. So as John's ministry faded into the light of Christ, may our lives reflect the same truth. Less of us, more of him, until all that remains is his glory. Let's pray. Father God, we thank you so much for your word that you make it so abundantly clear what your purposes are to be glorified. You created a people to bring to life from deadness, to reveal more of your glory, the power that you have, that you are the God of the living, not of the dead. You make alive that which was lost and dead and corrupt and unworthy to show your greatest power, your greatest love, your greatest kindness and mercy and grace. And you made a people for yourself, for your glory, for your namesake, to exalt you, to worship you in spirit and truth. God, make us alive today. Open our eyes, open our ears, that we were created for you. There's nothing you need of us. But you made us for your own good pleasure, God. Help us to rest in that, to be satisfied in that, to have joy in that and to move in that. Like John, that we could become less, so that you could become more. And in that we find the fullness of joy. In that we find our purpose. Help us, oh God, to live a life that looks exactly like John's. Less of us and more of you. In Jesus' name. Amen. Now, as we close today, I want to thank you for joining us on the takeaway. I hope this episode has helped you take a step closer in your relationship with Jesus and that you now have a deeper understanding of what it means to live a life that exalts Him. Now, before we go, I want to encourage you, as always, to send us any questions or comments you may have using the text us link in the episode description. Your input helps us shape future episodes that speak directly to your needs and help you grow in your faith. And if this message touched your heart today, if it reminded you of the beauty, of humility, the joy of exalting Christ, please include your email or phone number so we can reach out and pray with you. It's our desire that this ministry be a tool to reach the lost and equip the saints for a life that brings glory to God. Now, before we go, I want to here's a glimpse of what's coming next time. In John chapter 4, Jesus leaves Judea and meets a Samaritan woman at a well. What begins as a simple request for water becomes a life-changing revelation of grace and truth. We'll explore how the living water satisfies the deepest thirst of the soul and how one transformed life can impact an entire community. God bless, and we'll see you next time on the takeaway.