To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:27-30 NIV
Few men in Scripture possessed the influence of John the Baptist. Crowds followed him. Religious leaders feared him. People traveled great distances just to hear him preach. Yet when Jesus arrived, John understood something many of us struggle to understand. Life was never about him.
When John’s disciples became concerned that people were leaving John and following Jesus, John did not become jealous. He did not defend his position. He did not fight to keep his influence. Instead, he acknowledged that everything he had came from heaven.
Then he spoke words every believer should carry in their heart: “He must become greater; I must become less.”
John understood what it meant to be a disciple of Jesus.
Then Jesus said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” Luke 9:23 NIV
The Christian life is not about adding Jesus to our plans. It is about surrendering our plans to Jesus. Every day something must decrease: our pride, selfish ambition, bitterness, desire for recognition, and need for control.
Paul writes:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NIV
The goal is not a better version of ourselves. The goal is Christ living through us.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 NIV
John demonstrated true humility. God honors humility because humility makes room for Christ.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 NIV
We often want God’s blessing while maintaining control. John teaches us that true joy comes when we surrender the throne entirely.
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalms 115:1 NIV
John’s ministry was never about building his kingdom. It was about pointing others to Jesus.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” Mark 10:45 NIV
Jesus Himself showed us what surrender and servanthood look like.
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 NIV
The world teaches self-promotion. Christ teaches self-denial.
When people look at our lives, do they see our accomplishments, or do they see our Savior? The goal of the Christian life is not that we become more important. The goal is that Christ becomes more
May Christ increase. May self decrease. May God receive the glory.
Remember to love one another, always.
Barnabas
Special thanks to Barnabas for this guest submission.