As we've been exploring the Gospel of John, we've witnessed Jesus bursting onto the scene after 30 years of obscurity. Meanwhile, John the Baptist, after creating quite the sensation with his powerful preaching, suddenly finds his followers dwindling as people flock to Jesus. Today, we'll examine John's remarkable response to this apparent "ministry crisis."
John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease."
John the Baptist had spent years in isolation and self-denial, committed to the Word of God and rejecting the fleeting promises of popularity. Finally, after all that preparation, the entire nation flocked to hear him preach. He was a sensation, the most powerful communicator the world had seen in 400 years! Even government officials were showing up to hear what this wilderness preacher had to say.
Then, just as quickly as his ministry exploded, his disciples came to him with troubling news: "That guy you pointed to—he's baptizing, and everyone is going to him now." John's star was fading.
How would you respond to this situation? If you'd invested years preparing for ministry, finally gained influence, and then watched it all shift to someone else, what would your attitude be?
John's response is nothing short of extraordinary: "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven." He doesn't try to cling to his audience or position. He doesn't strategize about how to regain his prominence. Instead, he rejoices!
For John, it was never about him. He saw himself as the friend of the bridegroom, there only to prepare the way. When the bridegroom appears, the best man doesn't try to remain center stage. He steps aside, knowing his joy is found in seeing the bride and groom united.
This statement—"He must increase, but I must decrease"—was not a reluctant concession but John's life motto. The word "must" here is the same Greek word used when Jesus said a man "must be born again" and the Son of Man "must be lifted up." It represents an absolute divine necessity.
For John, seeing Christ magnified while he faded to the background wasn't a loss—it was his greatest joy. Like the moon that reflects the sun's light but fades from view at dawn, John understood that he was merely a pale reflection of the true Light.
Are there areas in your life where you're seeking your own glory rather than Christ's? Maybe it's your career, your ministry, your parenting, or your social media presence. Whatever good things you have—influence, talents, resources—remember: a man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven.
1. Is there someone in your life whose success or ministry makes you feel envious or threatened? How might John's example change your perspective?
2. In what specific areas of your life do you need to apply the motto "He must increase, I must decrease"?
3. What would it look like in your daily life if this became your core mission statement?
Stay dialed in,
Jonny Ardavanis
