John chapter 3 is amazing because it holds the most popular verse in Scripture. John 3:16. That verse is incredible. It is the verse that brings me new life. But later in the chapter is where my life is defined. John the Baptist nails where I want my life to be and the direction of my life in the future. Many who had been following him, seemingly changed sides. One man whom John had baptized was now on the other side of the river and He was drawing greater crowds and many in his following were ‘former’ followers of the John. His response is classic! It never was about me. I am delighted. I never intended to be followed. I only wanted people to follow the one I came to talk about! I am stoked! The one I have spoken of is Jesus the Messiah. He is here and people are following Him. And…He is the right one to follow. He must increase, I must decrease! YEP. Me too!
John 3: 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 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. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”