“Embracing Change and a New Way”
John 3:22-36
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” [John 3:30]
Change is difficult. Let’s face it; we like what we know and what is familiar.
The headwind to change is twofold. Firstly, we must be open to it, and secondly, implementation. However, we oftentimes are not even open to it. So, here is the question, are you open to change?
Our passage identifies change. It is the shift from John the Baptist to Jesus. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” But notice it is God’s change. Also notice that John embraced it.
These are changes from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant; from the Law of Moses to the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth [ref. John 1:14]. The Gospels are transitionary. They take us from the Old Testament to the New Testament with the Person of Jesus Christ as the Centerpiece.
Our passage highlights how John the Baptist encouraged this change. “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. He must increase, but I must decrease.” [John 3:29-30]
John recognized who he was and his calling. “I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before Him.” [John 3:28]. John prepared the way. His ministry was to preach repentance through water baptism. There would, however, be Another Who would baptize with the Holy Spirit [ref. John 1:33].
John prepared the way, but he was not the way. “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” [John 14:6]
It was a new way, and therefore John the Baptist would no longer be the prominent figure. He must decrease so that Jesus would increase, and in that John experienced the fullness of joy [ref. John 3:29]. Might this also be ours.
When we understand the principle of more of Jesus and less of us, we, too, can experience true joy in this life of faith.
