Scripture
“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
John 3:30 NLT
Observation
The disciples of John the Baptist were comparing that people were going to Jesus and his disciples to get baptized instead of coming to John.
The recognize that Jesus was the one who John baptized not long ago, but they could not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
So John affirms that not him but Jesus is the Messiah, and John’s goal was to prepare the way to Jesus, and as the bridegroom’s friend rejoice with success of the bridegroom, so do John is filled with joy for Jesus’ success.
Application
When some pastors, preachers or churches get to be popular, their name start to get greater and greater, they tend to forget why they are doing this in the first place.
John teaches me here that, even when/if my ministry gets successful, it is important to always remember: I must become less and less, so Jesus can become greater and greater. If I pursue a different path, my heart will be seeking a glory that isn’t mine.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, protect my heart. Teach me humbleness. Remind me to become less and less so Jesus will become greater and greater. In Jesus’ name, I pray.