HE MUST INCREASE, I MUST DECREASE" (JOHN 3:31) A new axiomfor an ordinary Christian (ife Today An Exegesis qf John 3:22-31 with Ayylication to leadershyl
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Date
2005
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
Reading the gospel of John especially the book of signs which contains the
text we are dealing with, the first impression is that chapter three is largely composed
of different scantly misplaced episodes. Anyhow. the evangelist makes sure that one
strong message comes out at the climax in verse 30 of the whole chapter three. This is
why I find it necessary through this thesis with the help of the Jewish background and
biblical exegesis to discover the meaning behind this text.
Through this thesis. I will attend to the flair questions as addressed by the
evangelist in chapter three, namely: (1) what was the role of John the Baptist and the
baptism he administered in the ministry of Jesus? (2) Who was Jesus in the life of
Israel (Judaism) and the kind of baptism he offered'? (3) What is the difference
between the baptism of John and that ofJesus? (4) For the one who is greater, what is
the basis for his greatness'? In the whole book of signs. John the evangelist tries to
answer these questions using different motifs and symbol isms. However, in my work
as I attempt to attend to them. I do not promise to be very exhaustive in my- approach
since the volume of this nature can not allow me.
My main preoccupation in this work is to bring to bare the obscure faith
theology of the author veiled in the statement of John the Baptist, "he must increase. I
must decrease" John 3:30, for his community. The mention of the word honour
immediately denotes shame as its opposite concept However, in this case I do not
intend to treat the two concepts side by side, instead I will focus on honour and the
notion of increase within the Jewish context since what is at stake in the statement of
the Baptist is honour. My intention is thereafter, to give the same theology relevance
to our contemporary world, particularly the context of the Church in Africa. Though
my aim is not to oiler solutions to African problems, at least through this work. I
intend to raise some profound awareness in our African Christian way of living.
This thesis is composed of three chapters. With the general introduction at the
very begin, each chapter starts with a short introduction and conclusion. The general
conclusion then comes at the end of the third chapter. Systematically. chapter one
deals with the Jewish background laying a foundation for a detailed exegesis in
chapter two which will give us the theology for pastoral application in our last
chapter.
Placed in its proper context the text will act as an eye opener to our readers.
Besides, it will act as a window from which to look at the Jewish culture and its faith
problems during the time of Jesus in comparison to our Faith crisis today caused by
similar structures. All this is to be done NA, ithin the frame work and mindset of the
author and his community for whose prospect lie composed this episode.
This thesis conies at a time when our contemporary society is really in need of
change. However, if we want to stand for that change as Christians, then we will have
to be prepared as well to be rejected by the same society since any change will bring
about disorder in the status quo of the beneficiaries. Here the message for Christians
today is to remain open and receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit from
within.
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HE MUST INCREASE, I MUST DECREASE" (JOHN 3:31) A new axiom for an ordinary Christian life Today An Exegesis of John 3:22-31 with Application to leadership