Back from Vacation

John 3:22-30:

After His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus and His disciples go into the Judean countryside, where He baptizes (or His disciples do under His authority). 

John the Baptist continues baptizing at Aenon near Salim. 

A dispute arises between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification rites. 

John’s followers, concerned that people are now flocking to Jesus instead of him, report this to their teacher. 

John responds with humility: everything received comes from heaven; he reaffirms he is not the Christ but the one sent before Him. 

Using the wedding metaphor, he describes Jesus as the bridegroom and himself as the friend of the bridegroom who rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice—his joy is now complete. 

He concludes: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Theological Significance:

John the Baptist models the truth that all ministry, success, and gifting come from heaven alone (v. 27), underscoring divine sovereignty and human dependence—nothing is ours by merit, aligning with sola gratia. 

His role as forerunner points to Christ’s supremacy: Jesus is the divine bridegroom who possesses the bride (the church), while John joyfully steps aside as the friend whose purpose is fulfilled in exalting Christ. 

The famous declaration “He must increase, but I must decrease” (v. 30) reflects the necessary historical progression of redemptive history—the preparatory ministry of the old covenant gives way to the fulfillment in Christ—and serves as a timeless principle of God’s glory being central. It combats pride and self-exaltation, affirming that true faithfulness involves deflecting glory to Christ alone, consistent with the emphasis on God’s ultimate preeminence and the believer’s role as servant, not competitor.

Reflection:

These verses challenge us to embrace a life of decreasing self-focus so that Christ may increase in our hearts, thoughts, and actions. In a world that prizes personal achievement and recognition, John’s example calls believers to radical humility: our gifts, opportunities, and even ministry successes are heaven-given, meant not for our praise but for Christ’s glory.