Are You Decreasing?

John the Baptist made this statement early on in Jesus’ ministry. Let’s notice the context of this passage.

John 3:25-29 Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. (26) And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. (27) John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. (28) Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. (29) He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

By the time that Jesus began his ministry, John the Baptist had already developed a following of his own. So much so that his followers were concerned about the “competition” that they perceived Jesus offered John (verse 26).

The statement that John makes in verse 30, that we are focusing on today, was part of a response to those followers. John is explaining to them his ultimate role. He says that “I am not the Christ” (verse 28), but rather just preparing the way for him. John understood his place in the grand scheme of things....The question is Do We understand OUR Place?

This statement: “He must increase, but I must decrease” is also applicable to each of us that desire to be followers of Jesus! When we become Christians, we are to submit ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus.

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

If Jesus is to be the Lord, Ruler, Controller of our lives, He must continue to increase in authority and the influence in our lives. For that to happen, we must, by necessity, continue to decrease in control of our own lives.

Matthew 6:24 & 33 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.....(33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Are you decreasing so Jesus can increase?