He Must Increase, I Must Decrease

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease”

Introduction:

Every believer faces the battle of self—pride, ambition, and the longing for recognition.

John the Baptist’s profound statement in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” cuts straight to the heart of what it means to follow Christ.

In a world that constantly tells us to build our brand, promote our name, and seek influence, John points us in the opposite direction: toward humility and Christ-centered living.

In our passage today (John 3:30-36), the apostle John records the final testimony of John the Baptist, contrasting his role with that of Jesus.

This passage moves from the humility of the forerunner to the supremacy of Christ, highlighting the critical choice every person must make:

To believe in the Son and receive eternal life or to reject Him and remain under God’s wrath.

Let’s explore this powerful text in three movements:

The Humility of the Forerunner (v.30)

The Supremacy of Christ (vv.31–35)

The Response That Divides Eternity (v.36)

I. The Humility of the Forerunner (v.30)

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

This is not just a passing comment. It is the heartbeat of John the Baptist’s ministry and a model for every Christian life.

A. Context: The Temptation to Compete

In the preceding verses (John 3:22-29), John the Baptist’s disciples are concerned.

They see Jesus baptizing and gaining more followers.

They come to John almost with jealousy: “Rabbi, He who was with you across the Jordan... is baptizing, and all are going to Him.”

How easy it would have been for John to grasp for recognition!

After all, he had drawn crowds, preached with boldness, and lived a life of radical obedience.

But John refuses to compete. His response is deeply rooted in his understanding of God’s sovereignty and his own calling.

B. A Man Who Knows His Place

John compares himself to the friend of the bridegroom (v.29). He’s not the groom—Jesus is.

The friend stands by, rejoices at the groom’s voice, and steps out of the way when the ceremony begins. His joy is made complete in giving way to Christ.

John’s declaration “He must increase, but I must decrease” reflects:

A God-centered vision of ministry.

A deep humility that recognizes God’s plan as greater than personal success.

A servant’s heart that delights in lifting up another.

This is countercultural. Our instinct is self-promotion, not self-denial. But for John, joy comes not from acclaim, but from Christ being exalted.

C. Application: Making Room for Christ

What about us? Are we willing to decrease so that Christ might increase?

In our relationships: do we seek to serve or be served?

In our ministries: are we building a name for ourselves or pointing others to Jesus?

In our daily lives: does our speech, time, and focus reflect Jesus' glory or our own?

Like John, may we be people who make much of Christ.

II. The Supremacy of Christ (vv.31–35)

The apostle John now steps in with theological commentary, expanding on why Christ must increase.

It’s not just because He’s popular—it’s because of who He is.

Let’s examine four reasons why Christ must be supreme:

A. Christ Is from Above (v.31)

“He who comes from above is above all.”

Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet.

He is from heaven. His origin is divine.

This contrasts with all earthly messengers, including John the Baptist.

John came from the earth, even though he was sent by God.

Jesus came from heaven, with unmatched authority and understanding.

To elevate any human voice over Jesus’ is to misunderstand His supremacy.

He is not just another voice in the conversation—He speaks as the Son of God.

B. Christ Bears Heavenly Witness (v.32)

“He bears witness to what He has seen and heard, yet no one receives His testimony.”

Jesus speaks from firsthand experience of heavenly truth.

He has seen and heard the realities of heaven and now declares them to us.

Yet the tragic irony is: “no one receives His testimony.”

It’s a collective rejection—pointing to the hardness of human hearts.

Even the clearest truth can be dismissed when hearts are blind to glory.

But not all reject…

C. Christ's Word Is God's Word (v.33–34)

“Whoever receives His testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true.”

To accept Jesus is to affirm the truthfulness of God. To reject Jesus is to call God a liar (see also 1 John 5:10).

Why? Because Jesus doesn’t speak on His own authority. “He whom God has sent utters the words of God, for He gives the Spirit without measure.”

This is a key statement:

Jesus speaks the very words of God.

He has been given the Spirit without measure—total and unlimited. He doesn’t receive revelation piece by piece like prophets; He possesses the fullness of divine wisdom.