How to Deal with Jealousy – John’s Gospel chapter 3, verses 22 to 36
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30.
Envy and jealousy can find their way in anywhere, even in church, and bring bitterness.
Jealousy Rises verses 22-26
The rise of Jesus’ influence. But John still had a ministry. Many flocked to him in the north. But a dispute: perhaps about who’s baptism was better – “everyone is going to him!” Jealousy twists the truth.
John’s remedy for jealousy verses 27-36
- What we have come from God. Verse 27
- now your place (position). Verse 28
- Not everything is about you. Verse 29a
- Be joyful for others. Verse 29b
- Deflate your tyres & exalt Christ. Verse 30
- Remember that Jesus is better than all. Verses 31-36.
None of us are captain of our own soul. Jesus is!
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptised. 23 Now John also was baptising at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptised. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan – the one you testified about – look, he is baptising, and everyone is going to him.’
27 To this John replied, ‘A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, “I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.” 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.’
31 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. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
John 3:22-36 New International Version – UK (NIVUK) Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.