John the Baptist was the son of priest named Zechariah, and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-7). He was not an ordinary child but was set apart by God. He was the one in whom Isaiah prophesied, ‘In the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’ (Isaiah 40:3). This was later confirmed by an angel named Gabriel (Luke 1:16-17).
The bible doesn’t give any details about his upbringing neither are we privy to his journey in the wilderness. What we do know is that he wore camel hair, a leather belt and his diet consisted of ‘locusts and wild honey’ (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6). One might judge him by his appearance alone and conclude that he was ‘peculiar’, but his messages brought conviction and repentance in Jerusalem and Judea (Matthew 3:5-6; Mark 1:4-5; Luke 3:3; Luke 3:7-14).
His infamous statement ‘He must increase, but I must decrease’ is one to meditate on. Some might think that this passage is only applicable to those who minister within the four walls of the church. However, all of us have a ministry – it just looks different. What can we learn from John the Baptist when his disciples were concerned about the security of his ministry?
1. He showed humility.
John 3:26
“Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”
The disciples of John had witnessed a revival at the Jordan river, where many were coming from different places to repent of their sins and be baptized. Suddenly, the person that their rabbi had baptized was now baptizing others. The reality was, not everyone was going to him – it was only his disciples (John 3:22). In their eyes, John’s ministry was at stake, and they wanted to know what he would do.
Upon hearing this, someone in John’s position might feel insecure because of what was happening. How can the person that was baptized under him, go around baptizing other people? Some might have sought acknowledgement or attempt to take credit for Jesus’ success. While another might hold offense or become jealous by the increased recognition (which was the attitude of the Pharisees during that time). However, John responded differently.
John 3:27
To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.
John the Baptist wasn’t fazed by the crowd, nor did he question his calling just because people were following Jesus. He highlights one important thing, ‘A person can receive only what is given them from heaven’. In other words, we can only receive what comes from God. This was a sign of humility because he acknowledges the source of his gift. The ability to preach, teach and baptize came from the Lord.
Likewise, what Jesus was able to do was because of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Without this, neither of them could be effective in ministry. Such a response demonstrated spiritual wisdom and maturity. John was able to see what God was doing in another ministry without losing sight of what God was doing in his own ministry. He recognized that the anointing comes from the Lord and not man. It is only when we understand this, that we can show honour without falling into idolatry, and give God the ultimate glory.
In one of Paul’s epistles, he had to address a similar issue. There were people who argued in the church of Corinth about which leader they followed. This caused division because some followed Paul, while others followed Apollos. It was for this reason that he rebuked them. If we are led by the flesh then jealousy, envy and quarrelling will abound – and this makes us no different from the world (1 Corinthians 3:3-4). Paul had to remind them that they were only servants, working faithfully in the Lord’s vineyard and their sole aim was to do what pleases Him.
2. He knew his role.
John 3:28
“You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’”
John reminded his disciples that he was not the Messiah and this was the same answer he gave to the priests and Levites when they asked him who he was (John 1:20). They wanted to know what right he had to preach and baptize people. Instead of defending himself or his ministry, he told them what he was sent to do.
John 1:18
“I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
This is significant because John the Baptist understood his assignment was not to become the greatest evangelist but rather, to prepare the way of the Lord. He was sent by God to prepare the hearts of the people, so that they could receive Jesus when the time came. His ministry was simply to advance Jesus’ ministry, to bear witness to others and proclaimed “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). He was reinforcing the truth of the matter – he was not their saviour. Instead, he pointed people to the Saviour.
Similarly, our role as Christians is to testify about Jesus and preach the gospel. When Christ is exalted, he will draw people until himself (John 12:23), but we must be careful not to stand in the way. Sometimes we can draw people to ourselves and try to become their saviour (and that never ends well). It is not until we know and understand our role that we become less confused. If our vision is clear, we will not be easily persuaded by people.
John 3:29a
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice.
John also used an analogy of the bridegroom and the best man to further emphasize his point. These people are not his people; therefore, he did not lose them. ‘The bride belongs to the bridegroom’ is an important reminder for all of us. As Christians we make up the bride of Christ and our bridegroom is Jesus. This means that the people whom the Lord has entrusted us with do not belong to us but belong to Him.
Whether people stay or leave is beyond our control, all we can do is remain faithful and obey the instructions He has given us. The people who flocked to Jesus was because they had a revelation (John 1:35-39). This was the bridegroom who would redeem the unfaithful bride. This was the One in whom they had waited on for many years to deliver them from their sin.
3. His joy was complete.
John 3:29b
That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
Although the best man has a part to play, we would find it strange if he tried to hijack the wedding (especially when it’s not his special day). It was for this reason that John used this analogy, to reiterate that his ministry was not in competition with Jesus’, neither was his ministry all about him. The joy of the bridegroom was also his joy. Another reason why his joy was complete is because he had fulfilled his assignment, which was to reveal the Messiah (Matthew 3:15-17; John 1:31-34).
What would it look like if we celebrated with our brothers and sisters without falling into the trap of comparison? What would it look like if we rejoiced with each other because we understood that we were all on the same team? If God’s kingdom is advancing, then it’s a win regardless of who is being used. Our assignments, ministry or position may differ, but our goal should be the same – Jesus Christ being glorified.
John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease.“
For a moment he had the spotlight and influence. He could have held onto what was meant to be stewarded but as soon as Jesus arrived, he took a step back. It was never about him but about Him. John the Baptist modelled what ministry should look like. Jesus must be more prominent, and he [John] must be less prominent. This did not make him less relevant or purposeful, for Jesus held him in high regard, ‘I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John’ (Luke 7:28a).
The crowd may have forgotten John the Baptist, but Jesus commended him, which is an encouragement for us. The only validation that should matter is the Lord’s. “He must increase but I must decrease” shows us that John wasn’t trying to build his own kingdom. Sometimes, in our pursuit of praise, popularity or a platform, we can make ministry all about ourselves. If we never received recognition or nobody knew our name, would we remain faithful?
We know that Jesus must increase and we have no issue with him being glorified. It’s having to ‘decrease’ that can be difficult. It’s not because we don’t want Christ to be seen but because we also want to be seen. There will always be an internal wrestle between self-promotion and self-denial. However, if we want people to see more of Jesus Christ, then there must be less of us (flesh, pride, selfish ambition). For us to have the same mindset and heart posture as John the Baptist, it requires us to surrender completely. If He must increase, then we must decrease – it is the only way.
God bless,
Susan.
