Nicodemus Comes to Christ
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greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice; this my joy therefore is
fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Had John manifested disappointment or grief at being superseded
by Jesus; had he allowed his sympathies to be aroused in his own favor,
when he perceived that his power over the people was waning; had he
for a moment lost sight of his mission in this hour of temptation, the
result would have been disastrous to the establishment of the Christian
church. The seeds of dissension would have been sown, anarchy would
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have sprung up, and the cause of God would have languished for want
of proper workers.
But John, irrespective of personal interest, stood up in defense
of Jesus, testifying to his superiority as the Promised One of Israel,
whose way he had come to prepare. He identified himself fully with
the cause of Christ, and declared that his greatest joy was in its success.
Then, rising above all worldly considerations, he gave this remarkable
testimony—almost the counterpart of that which Jesus had given to
Nicodemus in their secret interview:—
“He that cometh from above is above all; he that is of the earth
is earthly, and speaketh of the earth; he that cometh from Heaven is
above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no
man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath
set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh
the words of God; for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He
that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth
not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
What a sermon was this to the Pharisees, clearing the way for the
ministry of Christ. The same spirit that actuated Jesus, controlled the
mind of John the Baptist. Their testimony corresponded; their lives
were given to the same reformatory work. The prophet points to the
Saviour as the Sun of Righteousness rising with splendor, and soon
to eclipse his own light, then growing pale and dim in the glory of a
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greater light. John, by his unselfish joy in the successful ministry of
Jesus, presents to the world the truest type of nobility ever exhibited
by mortal man. It carries a lesson of submission and self-sacrifice to
those whom God has placed in responsible positions. It teaches them
never to appropriate to themselves undue honor, nor let the spirit of