by Senior Pastor, Denis Beausejour.

Series: Practicing the Presence of Jesus - Encounters that Renovate the Heart

Message: Friends of the Worthy Bridegroom

Text: John 3:22-36

Introduction:

• John the Baptist gives a powerful and humble testimony to Jesus
• This episode is also a big "block" in the apostle John's lofty Christology
• Like most of John, there is also a key Old Testament reference (this one on Jewish marriages)
• This encounter teaches us to see Jesus more accurately and to become true friends of The Bridegroom
• We understand more about the biblical metaphor of the Church as the Bride of Jesus (see Song of Solomon, Ephesians 5:21-33, Revelation 21:2, 9)

1. Friends of The Bridegroom do not compete - they point to Jesus (vv.22-30)

• A brief look at Judges 14 and Judges 15 - the friend is forbidden to have the bride, Samson's revenge is upheld
• The friends of the Bridegroom serve and celebrate - he must become greater, the friends become less
• We can receive only what we have been given from heaven (1 Corinthians 4:7)
• Ministry competition is not part of the plan
• Finding our significance in how God has made us uniquely and what he has assigned us to  

2. This Bridegroom is worthy:

• Five aspects of Jesus' life that John emphasizes (vv. 31-36)

(1)    Jesus is the only Son of the Father
(2)    Jesus comes from and returns to the Father
(3)    Jesus is sent by the Father and speaks for Him (1:1-3, 1:14)
(4)    Jesus is given all things and authority by the Father (Spirit without limit)
(5)    Jesus reveals the heart and character of the Father to us - especially Holiness

• The One from heaven, The Logos, is supreme and pre-eminent
• Jesus and his reception by humanity is a very important and personal issue for the Father
• The Holiness of God includes both His perfect love and His perfect justice (wrath)

Let Him overflow and take your life into His. Become a true friend of the Bridegroom. Use you life in ever deeper and costlier ways to honor Him and certify Him (Notary Public) before a world in need.

This week look at Colossians 1:15-17, and Hebrews 1:1-3 - Meditate on His Supremacy