”He must become greater; I must become less."
John 3:30New International Version (NIV)
John 3:30 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
He must become greater
John 3:30, which I have themed “He must become greater“, is part John the Baptist’s answer to his disciples regarding the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. John’s gave his disciples this answer when they reported to him that “Jesus baptized and everyone went to Him” (John 3:26).
Jesus’ ministry in Judea
So, after Jesus had disclosed to Nicodemus that “he had to get born again in order to see God’s kingdom” in Capernaum, He together with His disciples went to the Judean countryside. There, He spent time with them and baptized (John 3:22). John also baptized at Aenon (3:23-24).
The disciples of John therefore went to him and reported that “Jesus baptized and everyone went to Him” (John 3:26). Therefore, they could have maybe felt that Jesus had encroached into their territory and business.
John’s testimony of Jesus
John consequently informed them that “he possessed only that which God had given to him” (John 3:27). And from his confession in John 3:28-29, he reminded that he had told them that he was not the Messiah, but His forerunner. Therefore, “he had to become less” while the Messiah who he was forerunning “had to become greater” (John 3:30). He consequently added that “his decrease” in the presence of Jesus “filled him with joy”.
In Ephesians 4:7-13, you will appreciate that God gives each one grace so that such a person can equip His people. Therefore, you and me can only maintain humility in the face of God and men, and avoid, at all costs, the pride that will increase you and decrease Jesus, the Giver of your gift.
John’s teaching about Jesus
Furthermore, John taught his disciples that “Jesus was above all because He had come from heave” (John 3:31). Therefore, “Jesus testified of that which He had seen and heard, but none accepted His testimony” (John 3:32). And this is because He was both God (divine) and man (human), a reality He testified to as recorded in Scripture (John 5:19-20, 8:28, 14:31, and Matthew 28:18-20).
Nevertheless, “those who accepted the testimony of Jesus certified that God is truthful” (John 3:33). And this is because, Jesus was God’s servant who spoke God’s words to His people (John 3:34). So my hope and prayer is that you have accepted the testimony about Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, to be true.
Jesus is the way to eternal life
Finally, John testified to his disciples that “God loves Jesus and has placed everything in His hands” (John 3:35). And therefore, when you believe in Jesus, you will have eternal life (John 3:36a).
Prayer/Blessing
Lord Jesus, I must decrease so that You can increase in my life and in my ministry. Help me so that I do not develop pride in me. Reveal to me the areas where I have increased and You have decreased so that I can make amends.
All I want and desire is to be in the shadow of Your might and glory. This is my humble prayer of faith in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Proverbs 23-26 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
