This chapter contains important themes such as ‘you must be born again’, ‘for God so loved the world’ (Jn 3:16), and John the Baptist elaborating on Jesus’ mission / divinity / authority.
“John answered, ‘A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, “I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.” 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. He must increase, but I must decrease.’ ” (v27-30)
What impacted me the most this morning are the phrases “I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him” and “He must increase, but I must decrease”. We, Jesus’ bride, the living church, have been ‘sent before Him’ (His second coming in this case). We are to proclaim the good news of His return, baptize people in the Spirit, and help build Jesus’ kingdom. We do this by ‘decreasing ourselves’ (becoming humble servants of God’s will instead of our own) and ‘increasing Him’ (giving and glory and honor to Whom it is due).
These concepts sound simple, and they are, but if you’re anything like me, mastering them is extremely difficult. We have this little thing called ‘flesh’ (the sinful part of us) that gets in the way. This is why ‘decreasing ourselves’ (the fleshly, sinful parts) is critical to successfully evangelizing Jesus and building His kingdom. Let’s invite the Holy Spirit into this ‘decreasing’ process, because we cannot possibly do it on our own (we’re just too broken, foolish and tainted in the flesh).
Father God, our Sovereign King and Most High God, You alone are worthy of glory, honor, and praise. Holy Spirit, please teach us to be humble servants, always putting the Father’s will ahead of our own, promoting Him over our sinful selves. Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, please help us to teach Your gospel and build Your kingdom, since we come before Your return. May we serve You with our remaining days, love our neighbors as You do, and fulfill the calling of the good, faithful servants You desire us to be. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training