John 3:25-30 CSB
Then a dispute arose between John's disciples and a Jew about purification. [26] So they came to John and told him, "Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing-and everyone is going to him." [27] John responded, "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. [28] You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I've been sent ahead of him.' [29] He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom's friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom's voice. So this joy of mine is complete. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease."
Baptized into Faith
In the books of Exodus and Leviticus, Moses provided the people with specific laws for ritual purification. By the time of Jesus, Jewish believers had not only practiced these laws but had expanded upon them significantly. These rituals often involved the washing of hands and bodies using large stone vessels—the very same kind of vessels Jesus used to turn water into wine at the wedding in Cana. While handwashing was a common practice before meals, its purpose wasn’t to remove physical dirt or germs; rather, it was a ceremonial act intended to remove spiritual impurity. For more significant life events, such as childbirth or skin diseases, the law required full immersion in a pool of “living water,” which simply meant water that was flowing or running.
This concept of cleansing reminds me of my time in the Navy. We would often go out on the water for weeks or even months at a time. Because we were on a small ship, we had to strictly conserve water for drinking and cooking. Water was rationed so tightly that the showers would sometimes be turned off for over a week. After working all day and standing watch all night in the hot, oily engine rooms, everyone developed a noticeable odor. Oh, how great it felt when the water was finally turned back on and we could wash away the grime and dirt that had built up on our bodies!
This is exactly how sin operates in our lives. It sticks to us, it drags us down, and, spiritually speaking, it carries an “odor” that we cannot ignore. John the Baptist’s baptism was for those who recognized this spiritual “grime”—people who openly repented and sought a true spiritual cleansing. His work was a rite that pointed directly toward Jesus.
Today, baptism remains our core Christian ritual and a command from our Lord. It is a public declaration of our faith in Christ and our joining with the body of believers. It symbolizes a death to our old, “oily” life and the beginning of a fresh one where all things are made new and our sins are forgiven.
The difference between these ancient ritual cleansings and the true meaning of baptism eventually led to a discussion about who should be followed. John the Baptist settled the debate clearly: he was merely the friend of the bridegroom. Jesus alone is the head of the church. Just as the prophets of old would remove their sandals and bow at Jesus’ feet, we look to our Lord who sits at the right hand of the Father. We have a loving Bridegroom who has removed our impurities, washed us clean, and is now waiting for us to share the cup with Him at the eternal wedding feast.
Reflection Questions
- When you think of the “oily engine room” of life, what are the specific sins or weights that feel like they “stick” to you most?
- Why do you think we sometimes settle for “ceremonial handwashing” (looking good on the outside) instead of the deep cleaning of the heart?
- John the Baptist was happy to “decrease” so Jesus could “increase.” How can we practice that same humility in our daily lives?
Prayer
Father,
We thank You for the living water that does more than just wash our skin. We thank You for the cleansing that comes only through Your Son. Forgive us for the times we have tried to hide our “grime” behind rituals rather than bringing it to the Light. Help us to gladly decrease so that Your Son may increase in everything we do. Thank You for the promise of the wedding feast and the joy of being Your bride.
Amen.
