The Gospel of JohnSample

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30 (ESV)

John the Baptist had every reason to boast. He was a powerful preacher, crowds flocked to hear him, and even religious leaders came to question him. Yet John knew his role: he was not the Savior—he was the one sent to prepare the way for the Savior. When Jesus appeared, John didn’t cling to the spotlight. Instead, he pointed others to Jesus and humbly stepped aside.

This is the heart of true worship—lifting Jesus higher than ourselves. John understood that Jesus deserves the highest place in our lives. His response wasn’t insecurity or competition. It was reverence. He said, “I am not the Christ… I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness” (John 1:20, 23). John’s entire life was about giving honor and glory to the One who truly deserved it.

It’s tempting to hold tightly to recognition, success, or control. But when Jesus takes first place in our hearts, everything else falls into its proper place. John the Baptist reminds us that the goal of our lives is not to make ourselves known, but to make Jesus known. Even though John had his own followers, he was eager for them to follow Jesus instead. “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). That’s not pride—it’s worship.

Jesus calls us to the same humility. He deserves the highest place because He is the Lamb of God, the eternal Word made flesh, the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, and the Son of God. He is worthy of all honor and glory, not just with our words, but with our lives.

To follow Jesus like John means we surrender our pride, our platform, and our plans. We point to Jesus with our choices, our conversations, and our character. As we decrease in self-focus, Jesus increases in glory through us.

Respond to God’s Word:

Reflect today on areas in your life where pride might be getting in the way of honoring Jesus fully. Ask God to give you the humility of John the Baptist. Ask yourself: Am I willing for Jesus to increase, even if it means I decrease? Let this prayer shape your heart: “Jesus, take the highest place in my life.”