“He must increase, but I must decreaseâ€
June 4, 2021
Commentary
Last time, we read that Jesus and John the Baptist were doing separate baptismal ministries (vv. 21-24). During that time a debate erupted between their disciples over which of them had the greater purifying ability (v. 25). It seems that John’s disciples were jealous of Jesus and concerned about the decreasing popularity of their leader (v. 26). John told them that all ministry and blessing come from God. Therefore, there is no room for competition in ministry (v. 27). John had no right to claim any more importance than what God had given him. Even today, it’s easy for us to get caught up in competition with those involved in similar ministries to ours. John told his disciples that he was not the Messiah, but merely the one sent to prepare the way (v. 28). John used a beautiful illustration, comparing Jesus to the bridegroom and himself to the best man (v. 29). In the Old Testament, Israel was called the bride and Jehovah the bridegroom. Once the bride and groom are brought together, the work of the best man is done.
“He must increase, but I must decrease” (v. 30). Knowing that God has given everything, one who loves God should not envy another person’s gifts, abilities, or accomplishments (v. 31). John knew that he was “from the earth,” while Jesus, as God’s Son, was “from heaven” (vv. 32-35). John taught his disciples that the one who accepts Jesus and the truth of His message avoids God’s wrath, participates in the life of the Spirit, and has life eternal (v. 36).
John’s final eulogy (vv. 31-36) did many things. It is an independent testimony establishing that Jesus’s origin was heavenly (v. 31), that Jesus preached a heavenly message from God (vv. 32-33), and that this message deals with every man’s eternal destiny (vv. 34-36).
Application
I need to ask myself how I feel when someone else is recognized as greater while I become lesser. I need to have a plan for dealing with jealousy in my life.
John 3:25– 36 (NET)
25 Now a dispute came about between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew concerning ceremonial washing. 26 So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River, about whom you testified—see, he is baptizing, and everyone is flocking to him!”
27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but rather, ‘I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. This then is my joy, and it is complete. 30 He must become more important while I become less important.”
31 The one who comes from above is superior to all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is superior to all. 32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 The one who has accepted his testimony has confirmed clearly that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he does not give the Spirit sparingly. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed all things under his authority. 36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but God’s wrath remains on him.