He Must Increase, but I Must Decrease

Summary

• In this passage, John the Baptist highlighted the supremacy of Jesus. When his disciples expressed concern that people were flocking to Jesus instead of him, John responded in humility and joy.
• He made an important observation in v 27: “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.”
• John was secure enough to know that Jesus was the Bridegroom while he was merely a friend who rejoiced in the groom’s presence. His role was to prepare the way for Jesus. Hence, Jesus must increase while he decreased.
• The passage concludes with this powerful truth: eternal life comes through belief in the Son, but rejection of Him brings forth God's wrath.

Reflect

1. Meditate on John 3:27. Is there any area in life or ministry that you are disappointed with yourself or with God? How can this verse soothe your disappointment?

2. How can John the Baptist's godly example challenge you to get the right perspective of life and ministry?

3. Are there areas in your life where Jesus needs to increase, and you need to decrease? How can you surrender those areas to Him?

Watch

Videos used with permission by Michael Hoff

The video highlights John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus, focusing on the need to bring things into the light to experience Jesus' cleansing and purification. It emphasises that choosing Jesus leads to transformation and joy, and a life that pleases the Father.

Reflect

4. What steps can you take today to "choose the life that brings joy to the Father, that delights Jesus" in your daily actions, attitudes and relationships?

Closing Prayer

Ask God to help you bring every area of your life into His light, embracing the purification and joy found in Jesus. Pray for a heart willing to decrease so that Christ’s presence may increase in and through you.