He must increase, but I must decrease

He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth (John 3:30, 31). The Jews had come to John the Baptist telling him that Jesus was baptizing and “all are coming to Him” (verse 26). With this morning's title, we are left in no doubt as to how John felt about it. His response is one of humility and of acknowledgement of the supremacy of Jesus. John is of the earth, Jesus is from above, and John is on no doubt that Jesus is the (unique) Son of God (1:34; see also 3:16). John's example is all the more remarkable because he is still operating under the Old Covenant (Matthew 11:11). In particular, even under the New Covenant with all its advantages, the temptation to cling to, and identify with, our individual ministries is huge. Been there, done that!

It's all about Jesus. “He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence (Colossians 1:18). That is, He is superior to, and notably above, all others. Then and now, there are those who love the preeminence (3 John 9). However “he who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 14:11). Pride was behind the first sin (Genesis 3:5), and pride is what so often lies behind our refusal to give Jesus first place. And part of this is disbelieving Jesus' testimony of what He has seen and heard (verse 32). Verse 36 put it plainly “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

Once again the Scripture is telling us that there is no fence, no middle ground. This is not a popular, or a politically correct position to hold, but it is a Biblical position. The earlier verses make very clear what verse 36 means (in case we should want to wiggle out of it). In particular “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (verses 17, 18). So in the end it is either all about me, or all about Jesus. And if it is to be all about Jesus, then He must increase, and I must decrease.

Father, please forgive us, forgive me, for wanting my cake and eat it too. Giving You the preeminence Lord Jesus is all about me dying to self. I certainly have a part to play in this for, as the scripture says “if by the Spirit, you put to death the deeds of the flesh you will live” (Romans 8:13). It is by Your Spirit, but it is also “you” (i.e. me), who does it. And my part is to receive Your testimony, to believe and have faith in You. To fail to do this is to call You a liar (verse 33). Help us Lord, help me, not to be intimidated by the World, give us the courage to come to You and die, to take up our cross daily and follow You in Jesus Name Amen