John 3:22-30
22 After these things, Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.
23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.
24 For John had not yet been thrown into prison.
25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification.
26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”
27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.
28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’
29 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.
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
A Reflection on John 3:22-30:
In this passage, we observe the powerful attitude of John the Baptist. As Jesus begins to draw more followers, John’s response is filled with joy. He does not feel jealous or upset that more people are going to Jesus for baptism. Instead, John is content, knowing that his mission has been fulfilled—to prepare the way for Christ.
John’s humility is a perfect example for us. He understands that his purpose was never about personal gain or glory. He says, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This reveals a powerful truth: true greatness in the kingdom of God comes from serving and lifting up others, particularly Christ. John recognizes that his role is to point people to Jesus, not to build his own following.
The Joy of Humble Service
John uses the metaphor of the bridegroom and his friend to describe his relationship with Jesus. Just as the friend of the bridegroom rejoices in the joy of the bridegroom, John finds joy in seeing Jesus take center stage. This is the heart of humility: the willingness to step aside and allow God’s purposes to unfold, even when it means our own light grows dimmer.
John’s example teaches us that our lives should not revolve around making our own names known, but around magnifying Christ. In moments of success and growth, it is important to ask ourselves, “Am I seeking my own glory, or am I pointing others to Jesus?” Like John, we should find our joy in seeing Christ exalted.
In our own lives, especially in careers or personal growth, we often face competition and challenges. John’s example of humility and joy shows us that true fulfillment comes not from striving for personal gain, but from submitting to God’s will and supporting others in their journey. Let us follow John’s lead—seeking to make Christ known and finding joy in His greatness, not in our own.
Comments