Scripture in Action

Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his app.

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Scripture in Action

John 3:31-36 — Rejecting Jesus

July 19, 2023 • Aneel Aranha • Season 2 • Episode 26

0:00 | 3:59

John the Baptist continues to testify about Jesus in this passage, telling us we reject him at our own risk.

John 3:31-36 — Rejecting Jesus — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel with Aneel Aranha. Today we will reflect on John 3:31-36. Listen.

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. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

In this passage that we are reflecting upon, John the Baptist begins by saying: "The one who comes from above is above all." He concludes, saying, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them." This is a truth that impacts everyone in the world. However, I don't think many of us understand its gravity, so let us examine John's words carefully.

Who comes from above? The one who dwells above. Who is that? It is God. He is the Lord of the Universe. Which means that he is Lord over all things, including us. Now, if the Lord of the Universe should decide to come down to the world he created, what should the response of the people who live there be? Quite obviously, it needs to be one of awe and reverence as we welcome him in a manner befitting the Lord of the Universe. Think of the honor we would bestow upon a head of state!

Sadly, the response of many to this incredible visit is indifference or rejection. John the Baptist makes it clear that whoever rejects God will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them. This is not a statement of condemnation but a solemn reminder of the consequence of unbelief. Rejecting God means rejecting the very source of eternal life and remaining under the weight of God's righteous judgment because Jesus didn’t come on a state visit; he came to sacrifice himself to save us.

We MUST examine our own hearts and consider our response to Jesus. Believing in Jesus is not merely an intellectual agreement or a casual acknowledgment. It is a complete surrender of our lives to him, trusting in his redemptive work on the cross and embracing his lordship. And through this faith, we receive the gift of eternal life, a restored relationship with God, and the assurance of his abiding love and grace forever more.

If you haven't accepted Jesus, accept him now. "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off —for all whom the Lord our God will call" (Acts 2:38-39)

God bless you.