He Must Become Greater

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

He Must Become Greater

Date: Jan. 11, 2024

Passage

John 3:22-36 (ESV)

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.”

31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

For information on how the ESV can be quoted, please visit our permission site.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 3:30

He must increase, but I must decrease.”

When John's disciples saw Jesus baptizing on the other side of the Jordan river and everyone going to him, they couldn't help but feel somewhat deflated. Jesus seemed to be taking away John's fame and glory. Would their ministry even continue? But John did not try to compete with Jesus; he reaffirmed Jesus' authority. John was not sad but happy to see the fulfillment of God's will, which John helped prepare the way for. John did not give up his ministry work, but continued to affirm Jesus, humbly saying, "He must become greater; I must become less" (30).

The work of God is not a one-man job. We need to trust the spirit of God to advance his kingdom in ways that go beyond our abilities and imagination. Sometimes, too much reliance on our leaders, ministries, or methods may limit God's work to raise disciples of Jesus in his way and time. We can both be aware of our limits and continue to advance God's kingdom.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, you work in each person according to your good and perfect will. May I recognize my limits and trust in Jesus.

One Word: One Word: I must become less

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references