He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 (NKJV)
It seems to me that in this world people are searching for greatness. Children, when they are little dream about being a great athlete, or perhaps a movie star or model. As these children grow up and realize their ambitions are not met, they strive for greatness in other ways. As a servant of Jesus Christ our goal should not be our greatness but his greatness. Our supreme goal is to exalt Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist was, by Jesus’ words, the greatest man every born of woman (Matthew 11:11). I would have loved to have spent some time with John. Not during meal time as he had quite a strange diet. I would have loved to gotten to know John’s heart. When his ministry was at its peek, was when Jesus’ ministry was just starting. Chapter three of the gospel of John, describes an event where Jesus and his disciples, and John and his disciples were baptizing at the same time. John describes his role as that of the friend of the bridegroom. He makes a great statement in John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.” These words give us a glimpse into the heart of John the Baptist. John said these words with rejoicing in his heart. John 3:29 says “Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.”
Most people would be sad to see their ministry and influence decrease, but not John. As a servant, your primary responsibility is to be a friend of the bridegroom. John 3:29 (NKJV) He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
As the friend of a bridegroom you are not wanting any praise or recognition, you want the bridegroom to get it all. Your joy is fulfilled when Jesus is praised.
Be careful not to rejoice with someone over the wrong thing, but always look to rejoice over the right things. “The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice.” Listen for the Bridegroom’s voice.
Pastor Larry
It seems to me that in this world people are searching for greatness. Children, when they are little dream about being a great athlete, or perhaps a movie star or model. As these children grow up and realize their ambitions are not met, they strive for greatness in other ways. As a servant of Jesus Christ our goal should not be our greatness but his greatness. Our supreme goal is to exalt Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist was, by Jesus’ words, the greatest man every born of woman (Matthew 11:11). I would have loved to have spent some time with John. Not during meal time as he had quite a strange diet. I would have loved to gotten to know John’s heart. When his ministry was at its peek, was when Jesus’ ministry was just starting. Chapter three of the gospel of John, describes an event where Jesus and his disciples, and John and his disciples were baptizing at the same time. John describes his role as that of the friend of the bridegroom. He makes a great statement in John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.” These words give us a glimpse into the heart of John the Baptist. John said these words with rejoicing in his heart. John 3:29 says “Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.”
Most people would be sad to see their ministry and influence decrease, but not John. As a servant, your primary responsibility is to be a friend of the bridegroom. John 3:29 (NKJV) He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
As the friend of a bridegroom you are not wanting any praise or recognition, you want the bridegroom to get it all. Your joy is fulfilled when Jesus is praised.
Be careful not to rejoice with someone over the wrong thing, but always look to rejoice over the right things. “The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice.” Listen for the Bridegroom’s voice.
Pastor Larry
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