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.
This echoes Hebrews 1:1–2: “In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets... but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son…”
D. Christ Is Loved by the Father and Has All Authority (v.35)
“The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.”
This reveals the inner life of the Trinity:
The Father loves the Son with perfect, eternal love.
And out of that love, He entrusts everything into His hands.
Christ has all authority—over creation, salvation, judgment, and history. He is Lord over all.
This is why John can say, “He must increase.”
Not just because Jesus is better—but because He is above all.
III. The Response That Divides Eternity (v.36)
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Here we reach the crux of the gospel: belief in Christ leads to life; rejection leads to wrath.
A. Eternal Life: A Present Possession
Notice: “has eternal life.” Not “will have,” but already has.
Eternal life is not just a future promise—it’s a present reality for those who believe in Jesus.
It’s life that begins now and continues forever.
It’s marked by:
A restored relationship with God.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
A transformed heart and mind.
B. The Warning: The Wrath of God Remains
“Whoever does not obey the Son…” The Greek word here translated as “obey” suggests more than intellectual assent.
It involves submission, trust, and allegiance.
True belief is inseparable from obedience.
Those who reject the Son—whether through apathy, rebellion, or false religion—do not see life.
Instead, “the wrath of God remains on him.”
This is a sobering truth.
The default state of humanity is not neutrality but judgment.
We are already under wrath (see Romans 1:18).
Only by believing in Christ can we be transferred from death to life.
C. Urgency in the Gospel
This verse should ignite urgency in our evangelism.
Eternity hangs in the balance.
Christ offers life, but the window of mercy is not infinite.
The time to respond is now.
Conclusion: Living in Light of Christ’s Supremacy
John 3:30–36 is a call to realign our hearts around Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist shows us what it means to live with humility and joy, surrendering the spotlight to Christ.
The apostle John exalts Christ’s heavenly origin, divine authority, and perfect unity with the Father and Spirit.
And verse 36 presses us to respond—not with vague admiration but with saving belief that leads to eternal life.
Three Final Takeaways:
Make Much of Christ. In all we do, may we echo John’s words: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Trust in Christ’s Authority. He is from above. He speaks the words of God. He is worthy of all your trust and obedience.
Believe and Proclaim. Eternal life is found only in the Son. Share Him boldly, and call others to believe.
