HE MUST BECOME GREATER

Passage: John 3:22-36

Key verse: 30

NIV

John Testifies Again About Jesus

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.(A) 23 Now John(B) also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.)(C) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.(D) 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi,(E) that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified(F) about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’(G) 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom.(H) 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.(I) 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”[a]

31 The one who comes from above(J) is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth.(K) The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard,(L) but no one accepts his testimony.(M) 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent(N) speaks the words of God, for God[b] gives the Spirit(O) without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.(P) 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,(Q) but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

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Footnotes
  1. John 3:30 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 36.
  2. John 3:34 Greek he
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

John the Baptist Exalts Christ

22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and (A)was baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for (B)John had not yet been put in prison).

25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over (C)purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, (D)“Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, (E)to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and (F)all are going to him.” 27 John answered, (G)“A person cannot receive even one thing (H)unless it is given him (I)from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, (J)‘I am not the Christ, but (K)I have been sent before him.’ 29 (L)The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. (M)The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, (N)rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 (O)He must increase, but I must decrease.”[a]

31 (P)He who comes from above (Q)is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and (R)speaks in an earthly way. (S)He who comes from heaven (T)is above all. 32 (U)He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, (V)yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony (W)sets his seal to this, (X)that God is true. 34 For he whom (Y)God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit (Z)without measure. 35 (AA)The Father loves the Son and (AB)has given all things into his hand. 36 (AC)Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; (AD)whoever does not obey the Son shall not (AE)see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

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Footnotes
  1. John 3:30 Some interpreters hold that the quotation continues through verse 36
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

When John's disciples saw Jesus baptizing on the other side of the Jordan river and everyone going to him, they couldn't help but feel somewhat deflated. Jesus seemed to be taking away John's fame and glory. Would their ministry even continue? But John did not try to compete with Jesus; he reaffirmed Jesus' authority. John was not sad but happy to see the fulfillment of God's will, which John helped prepare the way for. John did not give up his ministry work, but continued to affirm Jesus, humbly saying, "He must become greater; I must become less" (30).

The work of God is not a one-man job. We need to trust the spirit of God to advance his kingdom in ways that go beyond our abilities and imagination. Sometimes, too much reliance on our leaders, ministries, or methods may limit God's work to raise disciples of Jesus in his way and time. We can both be aware of our limits and continue to advance God's kingdom.

Prayer: Lord, you work in each person according to your good and perfect will. May I recognize my limits and trust in Jesus.

One Word: I must become less