TEXT: John 3:30-36
READING: Hebrews 1:1-14
SUBJ: The declaration of the Father’s love for Christ and the affirmations of the same throughout John’s Gospel.
AIM: That we might learn of this great love “wherewith He loved us.”
INTR: “The words “love” and “Father” and “Son” occur in this book more than any other book of the Bible.” Henry Morris. It is in verse 35, that we encounter these words from John the Baptist. Thus, it behooves us to consider this truth in that Christ conveyed the same love to His children.
1. We learn much of John the Baptist and that which he believed and preached from his testimony here in this passage.
2. While he preached a baptism of repentance, what he experienced in Christ and declared concerning Him reveals that he fully understood both his role and the mission of Christ – “behold the Lamb of God” and what He was given, “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.”
3. As we contemplate this message may we be led to acknowledge this truth and understand that the love of God to us is grounded in His love to the Son.
THESIS: The Holy Trinity is One and yet when God was manifested in the flesh it was the second person of the Godhead that appeared and now has risen and now reigns on High. And the Father loves the Son and is pleased with all that He has done.
I. Love for the Son
1. We have noted that John first expressed this truth, but many affirmations appear in the words of Christ Himself.
2. In one of His speeches to the Jews who opposed He declared: For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. (John 5:20).
1) He acknowledged that the works He was doing was directed by the Father so,
2) As to show Himself as subservient to the Father.
3) And further declared that the Father had committed all judgment to the Son.
3. As an example, to His disciples He said, As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. (John 15:9-10).
1) The example was impeccable and firmly pressed on them.
2) The way was made plain to them.
4. The Father loves Him for His obedience and especially in that He went to the Cross Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. (John 10:17)
5. And then He prayed for us: And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:22-23).
6. Twice the voice of the Father thundered out and directed attention to Him. The first was at His Baptism declaring, “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And then at the Mount of Transformation: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”
7. Even in the Old Testament we read of the Father’s delight in the Son: Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. (Isaiah 42:1). And we see further: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; (Proverbs 8:30)
II. Sovereignty of The Son.
1. In examining this topic we do well to read: But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. (Hebrews 1:8-9).
1) It is imperative that we understand that He Christ, is as much divine as is The Father.
2) This characterization does not place one above the other – only in their roles in redemption does Jesus embrace subservience to the Father.
2. All things given to Him:
1) See what John says as to His actions: Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; (John 13:3).
2) And we note what He declared in the High Priestly Prayer: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. (John 17:2)
3. And consider: Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. (Psalms 2:8).
1) We understand here that He has asked, and the action is taken.
2) The Psalmist early in declared the sovereignty of Christ our Lord.
4. What we do not see and what we do see: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Hebrews 2:8-9)
5. His dominion is all inclusive: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (Ephesians 1:22).
6. And we see Peter’s declaration: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (1 Peter 3:22).
7. And, of course, Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11).
