Scripture Reference: John 3:31-36
From Last Lesson: The emphasis in this paragraph (verses 31-36) is on witness (“testimony”), one of the key subjects in John’s Gospel. Here is another reason we should heed His witness.
We might escape the wrath of God (verse 36). This is the only place in any of John’s epistles or his Gospel that he uses the word wrath. (He uses it six times in the Book of Revelation.) This verse parallels John 3:18 and makes it clear that there can be no neutrality when it comes to the witness of Jesus Christ: we either trust Him or we reject Him.
“Everlasting life” does not simply mean eternity in heaven. The believer possesses that life right now! It is the life of God in the believer. The opposite of eternal life is eternal death, the wrath of God. A person does not have to die and go to hell to be under the wrath of God. “He who does not believe is condemned already” (John 3:18). The verdict has already been given, but the sentence has not yet been executed. Why? Because God is patient and long-suffering, and continues to call sinners to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
As you review John 3, you can see that the Apostle John is emphasizing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
It is a living relationship that begins with the new birth, the birth from above. When we receive Jesus Christ into our lives, we share His very life and become children in the family of God. (Jesus, the Teacher).
It is also a loving relationship, for He is the Bridegroom and we are a part of the bride. Like John the Baptist, we desire that Jesus Christ increase as we decrease. He must receive all the honor and glory. (Jesus, the Bridegroom).
It is a learning relationship, for He is the faithful Witness who shares God’s truth with us. What a delight it is to receive His Word, meditate on it, and make it part of our very lives. (Jesus, the Witness).
But we must never forget the cost of these blessings. For us to be born into God’s family, Jesus Christ had to die. For us to enter into the loving relationship of salvation, He had to endure the hatred and condemnation of men. He had to be lifted up on the cross so that we might experience forgiveness and eternal life.
May we never take this for granted!
Looking back upon the roles Jesus manifested: Teacher, Bridegroom, and Witness, you will notice the word must is used in three significant ways throughout the chapter. There is the “must” of the sinner (John 3:7), the “must” of the Savior (John 3:14), and the “must” of the servant (John 3:30).
Let us remember that it is always, all about Jesus! “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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