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He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease: Summary of John 3:22-36

by Teresa^(1,657) Bronze Star

Read John 3:22 -36

In this portion of Scripture, we see a shift in leadership. Up until this point, the people were following John the Baptist and his ministry. Though John always pointed to Jesus, it is evident the people were loyal to him, rather than Jesus.

John responded to them with humility and he reminded them of his words early on:

"You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but, I have been sent before Him." John 3:28

With this, he continued to elevate Jesus to His proper status as the bridegroom, while calling himself a friend of the bridegroom. This analogy would prove to be true description of Jesus over time.

As Jesus began to baptize others, John rejoiced knowing this was the beginning of the shift in leadership. He makes a statement that I believe is the foundation of what it means to be a follower of Christ (born again believer).

"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30

In summary, John preaches several other truths about Jesus and those who receive or reject Him.

1) He came from Heaven

2) He is above all

3) He testifies to what He has seen and heard

4) The one who receives the testimony of Jesus certifies that God is true

5) He was sent from God

6) He speaks the words of God

7) The Father loves the Son

8) The Father gives all things into His hands

9) He who believes in the Son has everlasting life

10) He who does not believe the Son shall not see life

11) The wrath of God abides in the one who does not believe the Son

Shortly after this, John the Baptist is imprisoned and beheaded by King Herod.

Join in our conversation as we look to Jesus as the bridegroom, explore John's statement, "He must increase, but I must decrease", and what led to his imprisonment and subsequent beheading.

As always, there are many other points that can be made on this portion of Scripture. Please share your thoughts and or questions.

Discussion questions here.

"Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me saying, 'Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." Revelation 21:9

Article submitted Sunday, February 06, 2011 & read 448 times.

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» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow (1 year 97 days ago.)

I am eagerly awaiting the discussion questions - good stuff T!

» left by Teresa (1 year 94 days ago.)

Hi Marijo.

Thanks for the comment and encouraging words. God is using this study dispite me - isn't he great :-)

We are still in the moving process. I set up my computer last night. I am running on empty. Up til 2am on Monday night, up at 6 for work Tues morning, then stayed up til 3 am and up at 7 on Wed. Burned out today. I am on my lunch break and fighting heavy eyes. BUT it is all worth it. unpacked my SW mug, and an article came to mind :-)

I should have these discussion questions done this weekend along with all the unpacking and getting the house together. Love and hugs! T

» left by Anonymous (1 year 86 days ago.)

Teresa - On the study questions for this ppassage we look again at John the Baptist. In Matthew 11:1-10, we see him in prison and sending his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the one they were waiting for or should they expect someone else. Yet early in Jesus ministry it was John the Baptist who saw Jesus and said He was the Lamb of God, baptized Him, saw the dove and heard the voice from heaven. Had imprisonment discouraged/confused John? I would appreciate your take on this. thanks, Jenny

» left by Anonymous (1 year 85 days ago.)

Hi Jenny.

Excellent question. Yes, I believe it discouraged and confused him. I think it is a gift to us that the Holy Spirit led Matthew to share this with us:

1) It speaks to our humanity and shows us that no matter how strong our faith and confidence in God, we can be shaken and moved to places of doubt when our burden seems too much to bear.

2) It gives opportunity to see how Jesus responds to our doubt and our humble questioning.

3) It shows us that we can begin to think that bad things shouldn't happen to us when we are living our life of faith and doing things for God.

I love that God's word is filled with these kinds of examples.

Consider Gideon - King David, and our biggest example - Jesus in the garden.

In all of his humanity, he came to a place where he questions his father, "is this the only way'? Of course he knew it to be true, but as humans we can only go so far before we break. It is only the complete reliance on the Holy Spirit that our doubts are dealt with and replaced by assurance.

Jesus is intimately aquainted with our humanity and it is a great comfort to know we are not looked down upon by him. This story of John's doubt is a great example of how we are to gather around our brothers and sisters in Christ and comfort them, run to Jesus for them, and bring back a word of encouragment.

Sadly, all too often we tell them to be strong, don't doubt God - these words, without encouragement first, destroy their spirit and does nothing to lift them up. I wrote a study on doubt, if your group would like to look at this a bit deeper, let me know and I will send it to you.

I hope this helps. Lord bless all of you :-)

Thanks Jenny!

We appreciate your comments!

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