Jesus is Superior, Pt. 2: Because He Came From Heaven
Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 28, 2024 | John 3:31
KEY VERSE:
The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. John 3:31 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
John the Baptist gives a second reason why his disciples did not have to rival his ministry to that of Christ but were rather to uphold the superiority of Christ over John’s person and ministry; the Lord Jesus came from Heaven.
Our faith works towards God who rules from His royal throne in Heaven, and who calls us to Himself, heavenward in Christ Jesus. Paul says, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:14 (NIV). All of our belief and commitment as Christians is intended to release us of the sinfulness of our earthly nature and to introduce us to the life of God, beginning an experience of God which will ultimately present us into the eternal holy presence of God from whom we have been separated by sin. If Christ Jesus our Lord came from Heaven where we aspire to go to, then it makes good sense to listen to Him and follow Him.
John had been praised by the Lord Jesus as being the greatest among those born of women, but even John pales into insignificance, for “the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth.” John 3:31. No matter how eloquent and philosophically convincing any earthly person could be, the Lord Jesus is superior to them, because He came from Heaven, and they are from the earth.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Bow and worship the Lord Jesus Christ and give Him the place of King over your life. He is the King who came from the place you are journeying to. When Earth contests against Heaven, always choose the side of Heaven against Earth!
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, you are worthy of my allegiance because you came from the throne of Heaven to be my lowly friend. How I long that in my friendship with you I will not miss your royal majesty. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: FROM ABOVE
In John 3:31 (NIV), the phrase "from above" is translated from the Greek word "ἄνωθεν" (anōthen), which carries the primary meaning of "from above" or "from a higher place."
This phrase is used in the context of John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus. He affirms Jesus' divine origin and authority by stating, "He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all." John 3:31(NIV).
The Greek word "ἄνωθεν" (anōthen) is also used elsewhere in the New Testament to denote a spatial or metaphorical ascent. For example, in John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Here, being "born again" is likened to a spiritual birth from above, emphasizing the heavenly origin and nature of this new birth.
Additionally, in John 19:11, Jesus tells Pilate, "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above." This statement underscores the ultimate authority that comes from God, who reigns from heaven above.
In John 3:31, the phrase "from above" emphasizes Jesus' divine origin and superiority over all earthly authorities. It highlights His heavenly nature and mission, contrasting Him with those who are merely of the earth. This verse reinforces the theme of Jesus' divine identity and underscores the importance of recognizing His heavenly authority.
Reflections:
How does acknowledging Jesus as the one who comes from above influence our understanding of His authority and our response to His teachings and commands?
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