John 3:27-30  John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (New Living Translation)

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“I am filled with joy at his success.”

When John the Baptizer says next, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less,” it is evidence of his joy. Envious people do not enjoy other people’s success. They wonder how the other guy got so lucky. How did he or she get the playing field tilted in his or her favor? 

John, on the other hand, knew the announcements were over and it was time for the show to begin. His own voice was powerful. His own work was wonderful. His own disciples were loyal to the end. But John knew his work was coming to a timely end. 

He had been telling people about Jesus. He had declared what God was up to. And now, what true believers had longed for, what new believers were excited for, was at hand. They shared some of John’s joy and delight. The One God gives the Spirit without limit (verse 34) had arrived. Anyone and everyone who trusted Jesus for who he was received God’s gift of eternal life (verse 36). 

What was true on the day John the Baptizer delivered his valedictory address is still true today. Jesus is God’s Son, the Savior of the world. Anyone and everyone, including you and me, can receive his gift of eternal life by welcoming him into our lives. Take a moment and read verses 16 and 17 in this chapter:

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

This is the Good News. 

God loves everyone, even you. He wants everyone to know and experience him, including you. He sent Jesus to draw all people to himself, and you are one he came to claim as if you were the only one. 

Will you receive the gift he offers you today? It is not for sale. You can’t barter for it. There’s nothing you can do except say Yes to the best deal of all deals forever. Your Yes to this offer brings joy to everyone else who has said Yes. It sets off a celebration in heaven. 

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I will live in the ongoing joy of receiving God’s offer of eternal life through Jesus. 

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Our Father, thank you for John’s joy at Jesus’ success. Empower us to share this joy as we see people come to know and experience Jesus for themselves. Thank you for the joy that comes from saying Yes to your offer of eternal life. Amen.