John 3:22-36

The Set-Up

Jesus and John are each baptizing near one another - making John’s disciples a bit nervous and insecure so they run to John and share their concern in their dwindling numbers.

This is the trap of every institution and every religious leader: Scarcity mindset. The fear that if someone else wins, I lose.

John the Baptist instead drops the ultimate anti-ego manifesto: “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.”

In other words: I told you I wasn't the Messiah. I’m just the opening act.

John finds his happiness not in being the center of attention, but in seeing the main event succeed.

Then comes the line (v30) that should be tattooed on the heart of every leader, priest, and influencer: 

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

This is pure punk. It’s knowing when your time on stage is done - realizing that the movement isn't about you, it’s about the Truth. John is willingly fading out so the Light can fade in.

May we all do the same.

The Takeaways

Kill the Turf War.

Ministry isn't a competition. 

Embrace the Decrease.

Real maturity is knowing when to step back so something greater can step forward.

The Best Man’s Joy.

Don't resent the success of others in the Kingdom. Celebrate it. Their win is your win.

Source Matters.

Don't settle for the earthly messenger when the Divine Voice is speaking.

Ego is the Enemy.

The moment you make the mission about your legacy, you become an obstacle to the Gospel.

The Good News

is that the pressure is off. You don't have to save the world. You don't have to be the Messiah. You just have to be the friend of the Bridegroom.

The Good News is that there is profound freedom in "decreasing." You don't have to maintain the image, hold the spotlight, or carry the weight of the world. You can point to Jesus, do your work, and then happily step out of the frame, knowing the celebration is in good hands.