John 3

Scripture breakdown using the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer).

John 3:23

S: But anyone who lives by the truth, comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.

O: This verse is preceded by Jesus sharing what it looks like for someone to live in darkness. It can be said that verses 22-23 are comparisons of each other in that Jesus sets up two ways of living be it by darkness or by light. Truth is in the light. Truth cannot hide, nor does it need to hide because the light that encompasses it, makes a way for it to be seen. There are several scriptures that make reference to the power of light. Jesus also tells us in Matthew 5:14-16 that we are the light of the world. He tells us further, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 

A: It's clear that Jesus is not advising us to live by truth to appease ourselves or to impress others. No. He's encouraging us to live by truth, and to come to the light so in that--God gets the glory! These scriptures clearly supports this as well.

P: Father God, please help me to not succumb to my flesh and the temptation to live by darkness. Help me to seek the truth of your word, and to live in the light. Not in the shadows of my evil desires. In Jesus Name, Amen.

John 3:27

S: John responded, "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven."

O: John the Baptist's disciples were beginning to feel threatened over the growing popularity of Jesus. John in his humility was reassuring them that the power displayed in Jesus could only come from God--from heaven. I love how confident and content John was in his ability to know what God had called him to do; rather than trying to compete with Jesus. It takes a lot of security and confidence to applaud the work of someone else, when people come to you trying to cast doubt regarding that person's ability and/or authority to perform said work. John goes on to say that, Jesus must increase and that he must decrease. It's almost as if John knew that his time was coming to an end. And he chose to have peace over it.

A: Jealousy is a strong thing. It can destroy our ability to have healthy perspectives when it comes to the success of others; in juxtaposition to how we view ourselves. If we're unable to be honest with ourselves and confess our sins to God, jealousy can destroy us. It's not just reserved for our haters. No. Jealousy is equal opportunity. It's for anybody willing to have or want it. If we don't check our hearts, our jealousy over others talents and gifts can be stopping us from achieving God's glory with the talents and gifts he's given to us to worship him.

P: Father God, please help me to celebrate others rather than questioning the ability to which you have given them to serve. Help me to pray for those in power, and in positions where they stand to help or hurt many; let not judgment rule in my heart. Help me also to grow in contentment with what you have given to me without the need to question or compare it to what you've given to my brother or sister. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Closing remarks: John knew that his job had been assigned to him by God; therefore, he was content to receive no more than what God wanted him to have. John was simply the opening act, expected to warm up the crowd and then get off the stage. Jesus was the main event, the star attraction. John's job was to point to and glorify the Messiah. And that's our job too. John was content with and grateful for his role. Are you? [The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]