PURIFICATION IS THROUGH JESUS

READ 22-36

22) Jesus spends time with His disciples to teach them in the Judean wilderness.
23-26) John is still baptizing and is still being questioned by the Jewish authorities, asking about Jesus right to baptize and purfication.
Purification - a symbol of moral cleansing under the Law. (See Ex. 19:10;29:4; Lev. 16:4,24; Num. 8:6-7)
27-36) John's answer:
1) Changed position: John had receive a work from God, but now that work was to be finished and John was to decrease while Jesus was to increase. John does not regret this position change for he says in v. 29, "my joy has been made full."
2) Bridegroom is Superior: Jesus is from above and is above all, John is earthly. As the bridegroom, Christ must occupy the prominent place, John the Baptist's place was as a friend and he participated in the joy of the bridegroom.
3) If you receive His Witness - can set your seal on this: 1) God is true, 2) He (Jesus, sent by God) speaks the Words of God, 3) Jesus gives the Spirit without measure, 4) Father loves the Son and gives all things in His hand, 5) We who believe have eternal life.
4) If you do not receive His witness - not see life and the wrath of God abides on you.
LORD JESUS, THANK YOU FOR CLEANSING US THROUGH YOUR BLOOD AND GIVING US THE TRUTH OF GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, A LOVE BEYOND MEASURE AND ETERNITY WITH YOU. AMEN