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“Conversations that Change Lives”
Categories: Minister's CornerJohn 3:31 “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.”
Religious disagreements are inevitable with people. With a difference of opinions, personalities, and perspectives, debate and discussion are normal. However, when a dispute comes up always make sure that you are standing on the side of truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth found only in God’s word.
As I read through the first three chapters of the Gospel of John, I continue to be amazed by John the Baptist, his love for Jesus Christ, and his willingness to stand for truth! John does not shy away from standing for the truth. As a matter of fact, standing for the truth is what got John the Baptist killed (Matthew 14:4).
A dispute arose with some of John the Baptist’s disciples and the Jews over PURIFICATION (John 3:25). The text doesn’t go into detail about the discussion, but it appears this is a discussion over purification in connection with the baptism of Jesus. In chapter 3:22, John the apostle clues us in on Jesus and his disciples baptizing in the land of Judea. In 3:26, the discussion is about everyone going to Jesus and His baptism. It appears the disciples of John are questioning the legitimacy and authority of the baptism of Jesus. John answers this dispute in 3:27 by stating that Jesus is gets His authority from God the Father.
In John 3:31, John is teaching his disciples that Jesus is baptizing by the authority of God. John says that Jesus is from above (because He is God) and that he (John) is from the earth. John is showing that he is operating under the authority of Jesus……who is God! John simply looks past the dispute that his disciples have and directs them to receive what has come from God.
We should always direct people to that which is from above, found in God’s word. We should drop our opinions and perspectives to receive only that which is biblical. The motivation in all discussion is to be biblical and loving as we share the truth.
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” Ephesians 4:15
