JOHN THE BAPTIST’S WITNESS TO JESUS

John 3:22-36

Key Verse: 3:36

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

· JOHN THE BAPTIST (22-30)

1. Who were John the Baptist’s parents? Why were they called upright in the sight of God? (Lk 1:5-7) What did they name their one and only son? (Lk 1:60-66) Why? (Lk 1:13)

1.

2. Describe the mission (Isa 40:3; Lk 1:16-17; Lk 3:4-6) and lifestyle (Mk 1:6) of this one and only son John. In what way is Jn 3:22-36 a transitional period?

3. Read verses 22-26. Where and when did this event take place? What controversy sparked John’s disciples and a certain Jew? Why were John’s disciples envious of Jesus and his disciples?

4. What did John mean when he said, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven”? How does this help his disciples to have a right view of his ministry and that of Jesus?

5. What had John previously taught about himself? (28) How did the disciples of John respond to Jesus’ teaching?

6. How does he describe his joy as the forerunner of God’s King, the Messiah? What does this parable teach about the believer’s relationship to Jesus? What did John mean by saying, “He must become greater; I must become less”? (1Co 10:31)

· JOHN TESTIFIES THAT JESUS IS GOD THE CREATOR (31-36)

7. Read verses 31-33. Who is the one who is from above? The one who is of the earth? How does this relate to chapter 1:1-6?

8. What was John’s past testimony about Jesus? (1:29-34) How is John’s testimony in verses 31-34 similar? How did most people respond to Jesus? What does the man who accepts the testimony learn? (32-33)

9. How does God work through the word of Jesus? (34) What does it mean that the Father gives all authority to the Son? (35)

10. What is the result of believing in Jesus the Son? What is the consequence of rejecting him? How can sinners escape the wrath of God? (35-36)