My Joy Is Complete When Jesus Has You (John 3:22-36)

[Sung Psalm: 45]

When was the last time you went to a wedding and said, "Wow, wasn't that a great best man?!"

The best man needs to understand what he's there for! He is there to give honor to the groom. He is there to make sure that everything is ready, and that the groom has everything he needs.

But while it is a great honor to be the "best man", if you do your job right, nobody ever confuses you with the groom!

Think back to all the weddings you've been to. Besides your own wedding and those of your family, can you remember who the best man was? Hey, the best man is just some guy in a rented tux who gets forgotten.

John knows this. John knows that he must step aside. His purpose is complete, he has heard the bridegroom's voice, and his joy is fulfilled because the groom has his bride!

Now it is time for him to fade into the background.

And so he bears witness one last time: John is the earthly man - and he can only speak of earthly things. He could only baptize with water. Jesus Christ - the Messiah - is the heavenly man.

And he speaks of heavenly things.