He must become greater; I must become less.
John baptized many people. Now John’s disciples inform him that Jesus is actually having more success than they - the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.
John gives what seems to be at first a strange answer - That joy is mine, and it is now complete. Why is John happy about taking second place?
It is because of who Jesus is and what He can accomplish for mankind that brings John joy. He realizes Jesus is able to do what he cannot.
The one who comes from above is above all…The one who comes from heaven is above all.
For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.
John gives at least four good reasons why he is happy people are leaving him for Jesus. Jesus is from heaven. Jesus has the Holy Spirit without limit. He is the Son of God. And faith in Jesus is brings eternal life.
Now we understand why John is willing to diminish that Jesus may increase.
Isn’t this the very attitude of a true student of Jesus? We desire for the life of Jesus to increase in our spirit and our will to diminish.
To be a successful student of this Teacher – to become more like Him – as John says, He must become greater, I must become less.
Now we understand why John is willing to diminish that Jesus may increase.
Isn’t this the very attitude of a true student of Jesus? We desire for the life of Jesus to increase in our spirit and our will to diminish.
To be a successful student of this Teacher – to become more like Him – as John says, He must become greater, I must become less.
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