He Must Increase

John 3:22-30

22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and 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 John had not yet been put in prison). 25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease”.

Notes

After explaining God’s love and justice through Christ, the writer brought the reader back to the Baptist. John continued to baptize in a place called Aenon, which was in Judea; Christ’s disciples were also baptizing in the area. Someone brought to John’s attention that there were more following Christ than him. Instead of feeling threatened or insecure, John’s response showed us God’s plan to bring people to Christ.

1. Two groups

   John the Baptist baptized at Aenon with his disciples before he was sent to prison. The Lord Jesus was with his disciples in the Judean countryside. His disciples were baptizing people as well.

   
   22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and 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 John had not yet been put in prison) (John 3:22-24).

   Application: Understand and believe in the ultimate service of Christ, which was His suffering, death, and resurrection. He did not only take the form of a lowly servant by washing the disciples’ feet, but He also became the substitute to receive the punishment meant for the sinner. Those who genuinely believe will receive the blessing of eternal life.

2. God is sovereign

   A discussion on purification, about ritual washing, arose between John’s disciples and a Jew. After that, however, the discussion shifted focus. Some of John’s disciples called John’s attention to the growing followers of the Lord. But John replied, citing the will of God in the matter.
   
   25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ (John 3:25-28).

3. He must increase, I must decrease

   John the Baptist identified as the friend of the bridegroom. The friend shares the joy of the bridegroom. For John, the leading man is Christ. Therefore, He must increase, and John must decrease.

   
   29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:29-30).

Application

1. Exalt Christ, humble the self

   John the Baptist said that Christ must increase and he must decrease. In our lives and in all that we do, Christ must increase, and we must decrease. We must ensure the self is not the head because Christ is the head, not us.

2. Believe that God is sovereign

   A man can receive nothing unless the Father gives it to him. We believe that God is sovereign, and we believe that God will cause people to follow Christ. As John taught his disciples, we will teach people about the sovereign grace of God.
   

3. Continue to witness

   John the Baptist testified that Jesus was the Lamb of God. He fulfilled his primary purpose as the forerunner. Yet John continued to witness by continuing to baptize others. We must proclaim the witness of the apostles continuously. Nothing should stop us.

Reflection & Discussion

1. A man can receive nothing unless God gives it to him. What did the Father give the Son?

2. Knowing that we can receive nothing unless the Father gives it, how should we think, live, and behave?

3. “He must increase. I must decrease.” How may we apply this truth?