Jesus is Superior Because it is Necessary

Enoch Thompson | February 27, 2024 | John 3:27-30

KEY VERSE:

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

John the Baptist takes time to show his disciples why the Lord Jesus Christ must have the superiority that had become a concern to them, that the Lord Jesus was gaining more followers than their team. John’s argument today is that of necessity, “He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30 (NIV). It is of necessity that Christ must increase, and it is inevitable that John as a servant and a forerunner must decrease. The moon shines in the night and gives it a soft shine to indicate that it is night. But the necessity of the day and its inevitability requires that as the dawn breaks into the new day the moon and its stars must give way to the rising sun.

We must give the place of importance to the Lord Jesus Christ. Self must give way to Christ as the new King over the affections of our life. More and more of self must be yielded and more and more of Christ be seen in our lives. Our objectives and aspirations must diminish more and more, and the objectives and purposes of the Kingdom of God formed in and through us more and more.

The Kingdom principle demands that in our relationship with other people, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Phil 2:3 (NIV), in an attitude of the humility of the King of the Kingdom.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: Do you see the necessity of giving Christ the place of primary importance in your life? Is Christ the Lord becoming greater in your thinking and behaviour that you can see yourself becoming less in His presence? When this is true, we can also learn to create room for others in our space.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus, you are the greatest ever in my life. Please help me to make space, all the space, that I may decrease, and you may increase. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: INCREASE In John 3:30 (NIV), the word "increase" is translated from the Greek word "αὐξάνω" (auxanō). This word conveys the idea of growth, enlargement, or advancement.

The Greek word "αὐξάνω" (auxanō) is also used in other parts of the New Testament to signify growth or increase. For example, in Luke 2:52, it describes Jesus increasing in wisdom and stature, and in Acts 6:7, it denotes the number of disciples multiplying greatly. In the context of our key verse, John the Baptist is expressing his understanding of his role in relation to Jesus Christ. He acknowledges that Jesus must increase or become greater in prominence, while he, John, must decrease or become less significant.

John the Baptist's statement reflects humility and a recognition of Jesus' supremacy. He understands that his ministry is to prepare the way for the Messiah and that his role diminishes as Jesus' ministry gains prominence. Rather than seeking personal glory or recognition, John joyfully embraces his role in advancing God's kingdom and exalting Christ.

Reflections:

How can we emulate John the Baptist's humility and willingness to decrease so that Christ may increase in our lives, ministries, and spheres of influence?