According to John the Baptist’s words, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3.30). John sought to exalt Jesus to his rightful position of authority in God’s scheme for saving man. John knew and said that, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven,” (John 3.27) and he knew his message and mentality was supported by God Himself about His Son. John understood his position and recognized himself to be the friend of the bridegroom (John 3.29). He was perfectly fine with hearing the voice of the bridegroom and said, “Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled” (John 3.29). What a powerful thought to consider, brethren, and worthy of acceptance and application.  He must increase and we must definitely decrease.

John’s attitude about Jesus was second to none and it would do us well to ponder how he thought of Jesus and, again, imitate him. He said, “He who comes from above is above all” (John 3.31). He said this twice in this verse. He makes the distinction between the messages spoken; those of the earth speak one thing and He from heaven speaks those things He saw and heard in heaven (John 3.32). Jesus on one occasion stated these words: “but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things” (John 8.28). With these words, it makes perfect sense why He should be and is exalted by John. Those believing Jesus’ words certify God being true. Why? Because the One whom God sent spoke the words of God (John 3.33). Again, He must increase and we must decrease.

What does it mean for us to decrease and Jesus to increase? First of all we have to see the example we have in the person of Jesus. Jesus (The Word of God in flesh) humbled Himself to become a servant and come in the likeness of man (Phil. 2.6-8). He who was in the eternal realm decided to obey the command of His Father and be sent to redeem man from their sins (John 10.18). Again, Jesus is the ultimate example of humility, esteeming His Father’s will over His own and completing the work given to Him (Matt. 26.39-42; John 19.30). Friends, what better example can we see as to how we can serve in our lives as Christians? Do as I do and as I say.

‘He must increase and we must decrease’ is the point of our thinking this week. How can we accomplish this in our daily lives, brethren? We can keep the commands of the Savior as He commanded His disciples (John 14.15). This will ensure our friendship with Christ and, like John’s joy was fulfilled, ours can be fulfilled as well (John 3.29). Knowing we are thinking of heavenly things should bring great joy and comfort to our hearts and souls today and everyday (Phil. 4.8). Just as Abraham was a friend of God (James 2:23), we can be friends of Jesus in the same manner. Are we willing to humble ourselves and take advantage of the beautiful teachings of Christ? Are we willing to look at His life and seek to go about doing good, thus fulfilling God’s will (Acts 10.38)? Doing these things will be helpful in being Jesus’ friends and servants on a daily basis.

As a congregation, let us see the joy in working together to ensure God is glorified and Jesus is increasing in our thoughts, actions and hope. We can decrease our selfishness and make sure we are all doing our part to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4.24). We can tell one another the truth and seek to esteem others better than ourselves (Eph. 4.25; Phil. 2.1-4). We can esteem the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures in this world, thus looking to the reward of eternal life with the Father and the Lamb (Heb. 11.24-26). In the local work, we can seek opportunities to serve our community and perhaps one may ask, “What must I do to be saved?” Jesus must increase and we must decrease as a congregation and we know God will be glorified.

In conclusion, we have a great month lined up for us from the pulpit to the devotional lessons. We will be encouraged to make sure Jesus is esteemed in our minds, actions and future. We will teach and remind one another to take a lesson or two from the book of John on Wednesday night. What a blessing to be able to examine our lives and make sure we are humbling ourselves with joy and commitment. Brethren, let’s focus upon the work we need to do as individuals and a congregation. Let’s make sure God gets the glory in all we do and say. Finally, let’s wait for His Son to come from heaven and take us back to God (1 Cor. 15.24). From the words of John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3.30). God is true.