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Interpretation of the Bible / John 3:30

He must become greater; I must become less.

This verse is one of the most moving statements by John the Baptist in the Bible. He is talking about Jesus and his own ministry, and how they are connected. The message this phrase conveys is clear: John must decrease so that Jesus can increase. But what exactly does this mean?

Context

To fully understand what John meant by this phrase, it is important to know the context in which he said it. In the previous chapters of John’s Gospel, John the Baptist is presented as an important prophet preparing the way for Jesus’ coming. He baptizes in the Jordan River, calls for repentance, and proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God.

In John 1:29-34, John the Baptist sees Jesus approaching him and recognizes him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John says, “I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” John claims that Jesus is greater than he and that he is not worthy to untie the latchet of His sandal.

In John 3:22-29, John the Baptist is baptizing in Oenon, near Salem, when some of his followers complain that Jesus is also baptizing elsewhere. John responds by saying that Jesus must increase and I must decrease.

He explains that the bridegroom (Jesus) is the one who has the bride (the church), and that the friend of the bridegroom (himself) rejoices when he hears the bridegroom's voice. He concludes by saying that Jesus is the one who came from heaven and is above everyone else.

Book: New Testament / John
Topics: humility, Jesus
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