Gospel

The One From Above

by Roland Crim
10/18/16
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“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. The one who comes from heaven is above all.” John 3:31 NIV

Within the third chapter of John, there are three individuals who speak of God’s word. First of all is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Secondly, there is the testimony of John the Baptist. And, there is also the gospel writer, John the disciple.

These is debate as to who is speaking in verse 31. Is it the Baptizer or the Disciple? What is really of importance here is not who authored this verse, but that it is God inspired. It is for us to benefit by understanding its importance.

What do we learn from this verse? First we hear that Christ is from above. Jesus left His seat at the right hand of the Heavenly Father, to become like us as a man, though a man without sin. Jesus humbled Himself in carrying out the Father’s will. He came as a messenger from the Father. God wanted us to know His will, so He sent us His Son. And Jesus certainly carried out His mission of letting us know the Father’s will. Secondly we learn that he who is of this earth belongs to this earth. Even we who are Christ’s followers are of this earth. We did not come down from heaven to reveal God’s word. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit we do share God’s word and work for the advancement of God’s kingdom. However there is no way we can present the will of the Heavenly Father in the way that Christ did and does. We are vessels of the Lord. We must let the Lord work through us by the indwelling Holy Spirit. So it is God’s will and message proclaimed. We are honored to be vessels through which His message can be proclaimed. Third, we learn that Jesus, God’s Son is above all mankind. Unless we accept Him for who He truly is, and give ourselves wholly to Him, then we are truly nothing.

We, vessels of the Lord must spread the Good News about Jesus Christ. There is so much we can learn just within this single verse.