Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Should Jesus Matter More Than Me?”

Scripture: John 3:22-36

Bottom line: It's not about me. If I follow Jesus, He must become greater--I must become less.

1. INTRODUCTION

2. CONTEXT

3. SERMON OUTLINE

4. CONCLUSION

5. NOTES

6. OUTLINES

7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Should Jesus matter more than me?

I mean we just read John 3:16 where we see that God loved the world--us--so much that he gave his one and only son (the most precious thing he could give) that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. That makes it seem like God is making much of me! That I matter to him!

And we do! "But God demonstrates his love in this, that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

But it's because of that great love for us that he demonstrates his greatness even more. This is why he's worthy to live our lives for. This is why he matters most.

In our world, our culture, it's all about #1. It's all about taking care of myself. What's best for me. What's in it for me. But this isn't at all how the Bible teaches us to live. In fact, it's 180 degrees the other way. It's not about me. It's all about Jesus--my creator and savior.

2. The Olympic Torchbearer Who Knew His Role

In the Olympic Games, the torch relay is a huge honor. Runners carry the flame for a short distance before passing it to the next person. No single runner tries to hold onto the torch forever—each one understands their job is to carry it for a time and then hand it off.

John the Baptist saw his role the same way. He wasn’t the light—he was just carrying the flame until Jesus, the true light, arrived. He gladly stepped aside because he knew it was never about him.

Tie-in: Are we holding onto our own importance too tightly, or are we willing to pass the torch so Jesus can be seen more clearly?

So, should Jesus matter more than me?

Yes.

Why? Good question. The apostle John answers this question 4 ways in John 3:22-36. Let's take a look.

CONTEXT

Jesus & company move out from the city of Jerusalem to the Judean countryside to preach and baptize. Seeing the planned transition from J the B to J the C, this causes heartburn for John's disciples. Not unlike when a beloved pastor moves on from a church, the congregants are sometimes reluctant to follow the new pastor, even though it's often God's will.

SERMON

Bottom line: It's not about me. If I follow Jesus, He must become greater--I must become less.

Main Idea: John the Baptist’s response to his disciples shows us why Jesus must take first place in our lives—and why we must be willing to step back so He can be exalted.

Jesus matters more because...

1. The Church (Bride) belongs to Him. (22-29)

2. He comes from above (heaven). (30-31)

3. His words are God's words. (32-34)

4. He holds my eternity. (35-36)

Let's break this down a few verses at a time.

1. Jesus Matters More Because the Church Belongs to Him (vv. 22–29)

The Best Man Who Tried to Steal the Show

Imagine a wedding where the best man keeps stepping in front of the groom, trying to take the spotlight. Instead of celebrating the couple, he gives a long speech about himself, tries to dance with the bride, and insists that everyone pay attention to him.

That would be ridiculous, right? After all, that day is for the bride and groom. It's their day! And the best man should be pointing everyone else to them. That's actually his job!

But that’s exactly what happens when we try to make life about us instead of pointing to Jesus. John the Baptist understood this—his joy was in stepping aside so Jesus could take center stage.

Tie-in: Are we content being the “best man” who points to Jesus, or are we still trying to be the main attraction?

So, Jesus matters more because the Church (aka the Bride) belongs to Him..

• John calls himself the “friend of the bridegroom,” rejoicing that the bride (God’s people) belongs to Jesus, not to him.

• It’s not about building our platform, reputation, or influence—it’s about pointing people to Christ.

• Application: Am I more focused on my own importance, or am I helping others love Jesus more?

2. Jesus Matters More Because He Comes from Above (vv. 30–31)

• John contrasts himself (earthly) with Jesus (from heaven). Jesus isn’t just another teacher—He is God’s Son.

• This means He deserves absolute authority in our lives.

• Application: Who has the final say in my decisions—Jesus or me?

3. Jesus Matters More Because His Words Are God’s Words (vv. 32–34)

• Jesus speaks with firsthand knowledge of heaven, and God has given Him the Spirit without measure.

• To reject Jesus’ words is to reject God Himself.

• Application: Do I listen to Jesus above all other voices—culture, opinion, even my own desires?

4. Jesus Matters More Because He Holds My Eternity (vv. 35–36)

• The Father has placed everything in Jesus’ hands—life, judgment, salvation.

• Belief in Jesus leads to eternal life, but rejecting Him brings God’s wrath.

• Application: Am I fully trusting in Jesus, or am I still holding on to control?

CONCLUSION

John the Baptist knew his role—he wasn’t the main event, just the one pointing to Jesus. His joy was complete when Jesus was exalted. So, should Jesus matter more than me? According to John, there’s no question—He must.

Application questions for us today:

• Am I more focused on my own importance, or am I helping others love Jesus more?

• Who has the final say in my decisions—Jesus or me?

• Do I listen to Jesus above all other voices—culture, opinion, even my own desires?

• Am I fully trusting in Jesus, or am I still holding on to control?

Bottom line: It's not about me. If I follow Jesus, He must become greater--I must become less.

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Invitation

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

1. What is God saying to me right now?

2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

ChatGPT describes a Jewish wedding in Jesus' day in this way:

"A traditional Jewish wedding in Jesus’ day followed a structured process with deep cultural and theological significance. Understanding this context helps illuminate John the Baptist’s statement in John 3:29:

“The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is now complete.” (ESV)

Stages of a Jewish Wedding in Jesus’ Day

1. Betrothal (Kiddushin) – The Legal Commitment

• The marriage process began with betrothal, a legally binding agreement arranged by the families.

• The groom would present a bride price (mohar) to the bride’s father as a symbol of his commitment.

• A written contract (ketubah) outlined the husband’s responsibilities to his wife.

• The couple was considered legally married at this point, though they did not yet live together or consummate the marriage.

• The groom would then leave to prepare a home for his bride, often an addition to his father’s house.

2. Waiting Period – The Groom’s Preparation

• The groom would spend months, sometimes a year, preparing a home for his bride.

• The bride remained at her family’s house, preparing herself and staying pure for the wedding.

• The exact time of the groom’s return was often unknown, adding a sense of expectation.

3. The Wedding Procession – The Groom Comes for His Bride

• When the groom’s father declared that everything was ready, the groom would gather his friends and go to the bride’s house, often at night.

• The bride and her attendants would hear the groom’s approach, and she had to be ready to go with him immediately.

• This imagery is reflected in Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13).

4. The Wedding Ceremony and Feast

• The bride and groom were escorted to the wedding feast, which could last up to seven days.

• The marriage was consummated, symbolizing their full union.

• The feast was a time of great joy, with music, dancing, and celebration.

How This Relates to John 3:29

John the Baptist identifies himself as the friend of the bridegroom (what we might call the “best man” today). In Jewish custom, this role was filled by someone who helped prepare the wedding and ensured everything was in order. His greatest joy was seeing the groom receive his bride.

• Jesus is the Bridegroom – He has come to claim His people (the bride).

• John is the Friend of the Bridegroom – His role was to prepare the way for Jesus, not to take center stage.

• The Bride Represents God’s People – In a broader biblical theme, the Church is the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–32, Revelation 19:7–9).

John’s joy is complete because the groom (Jesus) has arrived and is beginning to gather His bride. His ministry was never about himself but about preparing the way for Jesus.

A traditional Jewish wedding in Jesus’ day followed a structured process with deep cultural and theological significance. Understanding this context helps illuminate John the Baptist’s statement in John 3:29:

“The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is now complete.” (ESV)

This is helpful in thinking through John 3:29 as well as the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13.

OUTLINES

Willmington's OUTLINE Bible (JOHN 3):

Jesus meets with Nicodemus and tells him in order to be saved, all people must be born again. John the Baptist tells his disciples that Jesus is the Messiah.

JOHN EXALTS THE PERSON OF SALVATION (3:22-36)

A. The argument (3:22-26): A debate occurs among John's disciples concerning which baptism is valid-those performed by John or Jesus.

B. The affirmation (3:27-36): John once again gives testimony concerning the greatness of Jesus.

1. Jesus is the bridegroom, while John is but a friend of the bridegroom (3:27-29).

2. Jesus must become greater and greater, while John must become less and less (3:30-36).

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What do I want them to know?

2. Why do I want them to know it?

3. What do I want them to do?

4. Why do I want them to do it?

5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

1. Read the passage together.

2. Retell the story in your own words.

3. Discovery the story

1. What does this story tell me about God?

2. What does this story tell me about people?

3. If this is really true, what should I do?

4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

1. Who is God?

2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

• What is God saying to you right now?

• What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT

Google Gemini