He Must Increase - May 18 Readings: 1 Kings 1-2, John 3:16–36, Psalm 64:1–4, Proverbs 13:9-10

Links to Today's Readings

There was no one else like John the Baptist, and I am not talking about his dress or diet. John 3:22-30 describes a unique and godly episode that defines the unique character of the man.

John was immensely popular. People were coming from all over Israel to hear him and to be baptized by him. It was the name John that was on the lips of Israelites.

Then, suddenly, this man Jesus came out of nowhere to be baptized by him. He disappeared for 40 days into the wilderness to be tempted, then returned in the power of the Spirit to preach the gospel of the kingdom and do amazing miracles. Disciples of John the Baptist left him and followed after Jesus. Jesus' ministry was on the rise as John's popularity waned.

Think about how most people would respond to such a thing. Jealousy. Rivalry. Anger. Perhaps rumors and slander. They would not respond as John the Baptist did.

“A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:27-30

He realized that his status had been given to him by God and that his role was to be the groom's friend. He was here to announce the coming of Christ and he knew his place and his purpose. Then he spoke these insightful words.

He must increase, but I must decrease.

For John, it was literal. Jesus' popularity and scope of ministry was going to increase and John would fade into the background. John knew that was how things were meant to be and embraced it. 

John's challenge is also our challenge. In a sense, we are all John the Baptists. We go into a lost world to "prepare the way for the Lord." Our goal always is to make Jesus famous and to point the way to him. As we walk in this world, Jesus must increase and we must decrease. 

Father, use me to increase the knowledge of your Son, Jesus. May my selfishness and arrogance decrease. as you increase in me.