John 3:31-34 31The one who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33The one who receives his testimony sets his identifying seal to this, that God is true. 34For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit with no limit.
The voice speaking in these verses is not specifically stated but most likely, these words are the reflections of John the author. They bring together the themes of this chapter in summary form while still connected to what John the Baptist said in verses 27-30. These verses answer why Jesus was greater than John the Baptist. The basic reason is that he came from above, referring to heaven. Verse 31 begins with a statement of the exalted position of Jesus and his origin from God. John the Baptist was of the earth and spoke from a human perspective. The words of Jesus were far superior because of their source in God. Although the idea of Jeuss’ sovereignty as Lord is not mentioned in this verse, the idea is present. Jesus is supreme over all things. He who became one of creation is above all because he is the one through whom all of creation came into existence. There is only one person who is from heaven and above all, and that is the historical Jesus. Any other claims of divinity or divine origins are false.
Jesus testifies to the things of heaven. He knows the Father’s will and tells people of this will. The problem, as verse 32 states, is that many of these people rejected his teaching. By doing this, they also rejected God. Those who accepted Jesus and his teaching also accepted God’s purpose and will. Verse 33 uses the image of an ancient seal that signified that a message was from a person. In today’s terms, it would be like a signature. Those who believe in Jesus confirm that God’s plan in Jesus is the the truth. Truth is a significant theme in John’s Gospel. Jesus defines the truth and embodies the truth so people can see and experience it.
Verse 34 repeats the theme of verses 32-33 but adds the important idea of the Spirit. There is no limit to the Spirit because he is the very presence of the infinite God. The Spirit came upon Jesus is a visible and powerful way at baptism 1:32-33. Jesus has the full power and presence of the Spirit and gives the Spirit to those who follow him in faith. The Trinity is clear in these verses. Jesus came from God. God gave Jesus the Spirit, and Jesus gives the Spirit to those who believe. The absolute sovereignty of the Son is clear. The implied choice of the reader is found in the word receives in verse 33. This idea is defined in 1:12 as believing in Jesus’ name. These verses contain the essence of God’s will for humanity of eternal life through Jesus.
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