Day 9: He Must Increase (John 3:22–36)
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 3:30 (NASB)
The final scene of chapter 3 returns us to John the Baptist, now facing his own disciples' concern that Jesus is baptizing and 'everyone is going to him.' The Baptist's response is one of the most beautiful and theologically rich in the entire Gospel. He does not compete. He explains. 'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.' His entire ministry was received, not achieved. He was sent before the Christ — he is the friend of the bridegroom, standing and hearing the bridegroom's voice, rejoicing greatly at the sound. 'This joy of mine is now complete.'
The metaphor of the bridegroom is significant in a marriage class context. John the Baptist positions himself as the best man — thrilled that the groom has arrived, not resentful that attention has shifted. His entire identity is defined by his relationship to the bridegroom. The church throughout history has understood itself as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5, Revelation 19), and John the Baptist models perfectly the posture of one who loves the bridegroom more than he loves his own role.
'He must increase, but I must decrease.' Seven words in English that represent a lifetime of discipleship. The section closes with a summary of the cosmic stakes: the one who comes from above is above all, speaks God's words, has the Spirit without measure, and holds all things in the Father's hand. 'Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.' The Baptist's great sermon ends with the same confrontation we saw in 3:16–21: belief or unbelief, life or wrath.
For Reflection
- John the Baptist found his joy in the success of the One he pointed to. Where do you find your deepest satisfaction — in your own accomplishment or in what God is doing through you?
- The Baptist describes himself as the friend of the bridegroom. What does it look like to be genuinely thrilled about what God is doing in someone else's life?
- 'He must increase, I must decrease.' What area of your life is hardest to decrease in order to let Christ be more?
