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Less of Me, More of Jesus (John 3:22-36)

Writer's picture: Corby AngleCorby Angle

John 3:22–36 - 22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized— 24 for John had not yet been thrown into prison. 25 Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew 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 him from heaven. 28 “You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of 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. So this joy of mine has been made full. 30 “He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 “He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 “What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 “He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34 “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure. 35 “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. 36 “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” 

 

What does today’s passage say?

In today's passage, Jesus and His disciples go to Judea and are baptizing people while John the Baptist continued his ministry at another location. Some of John's followers grew concerned when they noticed more people going to Jesus for baptism than to John (vv. 22-26). John explained that his position and success came from God. He compared himself to the best man at a wedding who feels great happiness when hearing the bridegroom's voice. John stated his famous words about becoming less important while Jesus becomes more important (vv. 27-30). John then described Jesus as the One who came from heaven, speaking God's words with divine authority. Those who accept Jesus' message show that God speaks truth. Anyone who believes in God's Son gains eternal life, while those who reject Him face God's anger (vv. 31-36).

 

How can I apply John 3:22-36 to my life?

Life often presents situations where our pride and desire for recognition clash with our call to follow Jesus. In this passage, John the Baptist faced such a moment when his own disciples expressed concern about Jesus baptizing more people than him. Instead of feeling threatened or competitive, John responded with complete joy and a clear understanding of his role in God's plan. His famous statement, "He must increase, but I must decrease," shows us the right attitude every believer needs. Today's culture promotes self-advancement and personal platform building, making it hard to step aside and let Jesus take center stage. Social media amplifies the pressure to gain followers and recognition. Yet true satisfaction comes when we follow John's example - finding joy in pointing others to Jesus rather than promoting ourselves. This passage teaches us how to live with Jesus as our highest priority while helping others know Him too. The choice between building our own reputation and lifting up Jesus faces us daily in many different settings. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:


1.    Honor Jesus as Supreme (vv. 22-26): The dispute about ceremonial washing led to concerns about Jesus baptizing more followers than John. True followers of Jesus will make Him the highest priority in their lives, putting His glory and purposes above personal ambitions and desires. Living with Jesus as supreme means adjusting daily choices and actions to match His teachings and character. When someone gains recognition or success at work, school, or in relationships, the natural human response seeks personal credit and acclaim. But acknowledging Jesus as supreme requires stepping back from self-promotion and directing attention toward Him instead. This attitude shows up in practical ways - giving Him credit for achievements, speaking about His influence in life changes, and making decisions based on what brings Him honor rather than personal benefit. It means spending time learning what pleases Him through Bible study and prayer. It affects how money gets spent, which activities fill free time, and how relationships develop. Making Jesus supreme also impacts interactions on social media, where the tendency to build personal platforms often overshadows opportunities to point toward Him. When Jesus holds first place, His priorities shape conversations, determine reactions to challenges, and guide responses to success. This supreme position touches every part of life - career choices, entertainment options, friend groups, and family dynamics all come under His influence and direction (Colossians 1:15-18, Philippians 2:9-11, Ephesians 1:20-22).


Food for thought: What areas of your life still compete with Jesus for first place? How do your social media posts show whether Jesus or self holds the supreme position?


2.    Point Others to Jesus with Joy (vv. 27-30): John the Baptist showed pure joy in seeing people turn their attention from himself to Jesus. God calls His followers to share their faith with genuine happiness when others come to know Jesus. This attitude starts with understanding that bringing attention to Jesus matters more than personal recognition. The example of John the Baptist teaches believers today about the right mindset for sharing faith with others. True Christian service means stepping out of the spotlight so Jesus can take center stage in conversations and relationships. A person who points others to Jesus talks about what Jesus has done rather than personal accomplishments. In daily life, this shows up through giving Jesus credit for success at work, telling others about His impact on family life, or explaining His role in making tough decisions. Social situations create natural openings to speak about faith - like explaining why someone chooses certain activities or handles conflicts differently than others. At school or work, living with integrity and explaining the source of that standard directs attention to Jesus. Even difficult situations become chances to demonstrate trust in Jesus and explain that trust to others. When someone faces job loss, illness, or relationship problems, their peaceful response can make others curious about Jesus. The goal is not to force conversations about faith but to live in ways that make others want to know more about Jesus. This approach requires both boldness to speak and wisdom to recognize the right moments. The focus stays on introducing others to Jesus rather than building a personal following (1 Thessalonians 2:4-8, Acts 8:35, 1 Peter 3:15-16).


Food for thought: What stops you from talking about Jesus with others? How does your reaction to success or recognition show whether you are pointing people to Jesus or yourself?


3.    Accept Jesus' Authority for Eternal Life (vv. 31-36): Jesus speaks with divine authority as the One who came from heaven. Taking Jesus at His word means trusting His teachings as final truth for daily living. People who believe Jesus has this authority change how they make decisions, basing their choices on what Jesus taught instead of following popular ideas or personal feelings. This trust leads to different responses in many situations - like telling the truth even when lying seems easier, showing kindness to difficult people, or giving money to help others instead of buying more things. Living under Jesus' authority touches work life through honest business practices and treating coworkers with respect. It affects family relationships by loving others even when they act unlovable. Following Jesus' authority means studying the Bible to learn His teachings and then doing what He says, not just knowing about it. This obedience often goes against common social patterns - like avoiding gossip when others join in, staying faithful in marriage when culture accepts affairs, or keeping promises even at personal cost. Jesus' authority also guides how believers handle money, choose entertainment, use social media, and spend free time. His teachings shape attitudes toward enemies, responses to unfair treatment, and ways of helping people in need. Living under Jesus' authority brings peace because His ways prove right and good, even when they seem hard at first. This authority extends beyond earthly life since Jesus promises eternal life to those who believe and follow Him. The choice to accept or reject His authority carries eternal results, making it the most important decision anyone faces (Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 10:9-10, John 5:24).


Food for thought: In what areas of life do you find it hardest to submit to Jesus' authority? What keeps you from fully trusting Jesus' teachings as your guide for living?


John the Baptist's response to Jesus shows us what true faith looks like in action. His words and attitudes give a clear model for living as followers of Jesus today. When we put Jesus first, our own desires for recognition and success take a lower place. This change impacts how we handle daily situations at work, home, and in our social circles. Speaking about Jesus becomes natural when we focus on His importance rather than our own achievements. The authority of Jesus touches every part of life - from basic choices about time and money to bigger decisions about career and relationships. Following Jesus means trusting His ways even when they differ from popular opinions or cultural trends. This passage teaches that real satisfaction comes through making Jesus supreme, pointing others to Him with joy, and living under His authority. These choices lead to eternal life and show others the difference Jesus makes. The results of believing Jesus reach beyond today into forever, making faith in Him the most important decision anyone can make.

 

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I pray that You would help me put Jesus first in every part of my life. Show me the places where I still seek my own recognition instead of giving honor to Jesus. I pray that You would give me wisdom to step back from self-promotion and point others toward Jesus instead. Help me speak about Jesus naturally in my daily conversations and relationships. Give me courage to share my faith even when it feels uncomfortable. I pray that You would guide my choices at work, home, and in my free time to match what Jesus taught. Help me trust His authority even when His ways seem different from what others choose. I pray that You would change my attitudes about money, time, and relationships to line up with Jesus' teachings. Help me show others through my actions that following Jesus brings real satisfaction. Give me strength to decrease so Jesus can increase in my life. Help me live each day knowing that faith in Jesus leads to eternal life.

I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.

 

John 3:30 - 30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

 

 

With His Blessings,

Pastor Corby

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