What does it look like to truly embrace humility in our walk with God?
Key Verse:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” —John 3:30 (NASB)
Background Context:
After Yeshua’s conversation with Nicodemus, the scene shifts to a parallel ministry—John the Baptist continues baptizing and preparing hearts, while Yeshua’s own ministry begins to draw increasing attention. This passage is significant not only for its theological clarity but also for the heart posture that John the Baptist models. When faced with the reality that people were beginning to follow Yeshua more than him, John didn’t express jealousy or fear. Instead, he embraced his role with contentment and clarity.
John understood something essential: he was never the focus. He was the forerunner. He rejoiced to see Yeshua, the Bridegroom, come for His people. Rather than striving to hold on to influence, John proclaimed, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” It is a posture we must learn to adopt if we are to live faithfully as disciples of the Messiah.
This passage also reiterates the eternal significance of believing in Yeshua. He speaks the words of God. He has been given all authority. To reject Him is to reject life itself.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
John’s Last Testimony
22After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. 23John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized— 24for John had not yet been thrown into prison.
25Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification. 26And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.” 27John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. 28“You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ 29“He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. 30“He must increase, but I must decrease.
31“He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32“What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33“He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34“For He whom God has sent speaks 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“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Reflection on John 3:22–36:
John’s humility is deeply convicting. In our culture, we often strive for recognition, validation, and control. But the kingdom of God flips all of that on its head. True greatness in the kingdom comes not from building our own platform but by pointing others to the King.
We live in a time when even ministry can become self-centered, with leaders clinging to influence or spotlight. But John shows us a better way—rejoicing not in his own prominence, but in Yeshua’s.
Verse 36 gives us a sobering reminder. There are two paths: belief in the Son that leads to eternal life, and rejection of the Son that results in God’s wrath remaining. It is not enough to be religious or well-meaning. We must submit to the Son and live accordingly.
Application:
Do you find yourself striving for personal recognition, even in areas of service or ministry? Ask the Lord to help you decrease—so that Yeshua may increase in every part of your life.
Are you boldly proclaiming the message of Yeshua to others, knowing that belief in Him is the only way to life? Let your words and actions point consistently to Him.
Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to be like John the Baptist—to rejoice in seeing Yeshua increase in influence while I decrease. Teach me humility and contentment in serving Your purposes. Let me not seek glory for myself, but give all glory to the One who alone is worthy. Thank You for giving us life through the Son. May I live every day pointing others toward Him. In Yeshua’s name, amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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