Jesus to Increase and John the Baptist to Decrease - John 3:30

John the apostle shared how, “there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with you beyond Jordan, to whom you bore witness, behold, the same baptizes, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled”, and in chapter three and verse thirty of his book, John shared how John the Baptist tells his disciples, “he must increase, but I must decrease” where we read:

He must increase, but I must decrease.

The verse reads, “He must increase, ...” John began with the words, “He must increase” which means “it is necessary, behooved and meet that He, Jesus, grow, augment and become greater”. John shared how it was “necessary” for Jesus, the Christ of God, to “grow and become greater”.

The verse goes on to say, “... but I must decrease.”. John continued with the words, “but I must” which means “it is necessary, behooved and meet, however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover I, John the Baptist” “decrease” or “be made less, inferior and decreased in authority and popularity”. John shared how John the Baptist said it was necessary for him to “be made less and decrease in his authority and popularity”.

When we think through John's words in this verse, we see how John the Baptist had one mission – to promote Jesus Christ. Because his authority and popularity was “decreasing” compared to Jesus, John the Baptist knew his function was nearly complete. In reality everyone who yields their life to Jesus Christ is to “promote” Him and not themselves because God wants them tell others His “good news”. God loves people, and regardless of their “station” or “circumstances” in life, He wants them to have a personal relationship with His Son Jesus by believing and trusting in Him. Those who are wise will think through John the Baptist's words and submit to Jesus who is to “increase” rather than themselves.

Next time John shares how John the Baptist tells his disciples, “he that comes from above is above all”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".