After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
—John 3:22-36

~~~~~

He Must Become Greater
By Jennifer Kane

I saw the crowds shift,
feet once dusty with my path
now racing toward another.
Whispers reached me—
He is baptizing too.
They are going to Him instead.

And I smiled.
Because this was always the point.

I am not the bridegroom—
only the friend,
waiting, listening,
grinning wide
at the sound of His voice.

What joy it is to fade
into the background of His brilliance,
to step aside
as the Light takes center stage.

Let my name be forgotten
if His is lifted high.
Let my works be scattered
like chaff on the wind
if they have made way
for the wheat of His truth.

I was given a place
only because Heaven said so—
not to keep it,
but to spend it
for the glory of the One
who holds all things.

He must become greater.
Not for my sake,
but for the world’s.
Not so I am less than I am,
but so He is seen
as all He truly is.

King.
Son.
Life-Giver.
Beloved of the Father.

Let me be the voice
that vanishes
once the Word is heard.

Let Him be greater.
Always.

~~~~~

Scripture: John 3:1-36

In the quiet Judean countryside, as Jesus begins baptizing alongside His disciples, John the Baptist continues his own ministry. But something stirs among John’s followers. They notice crowds are now flocking to Jesus. An argument brews—questions arise about ceremonial washing and competition. To many, this moment might feel like loss or rejection. But John sees it differently.

John responds with profound humility and clarity: “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.” He reminds them—and us—that he was never the Messiah. He was only the friend of the bridegroom. And now, hearing the voice of Jesus, his joy is full.

John’s powerful words—“He must become greater; I must become less”—are not just a description of his ministry; they are a model for our hearts. John didn’t cling to his platform or popularity. He knew his role: to prepare the way for Jesus, and to get out of the way when the time came.

This is the heart of a true disciple: to delight in Jesus receiving all the glory, even when it means stepping back. Whether we serve, speak, lead, or love behind the scenes, our prayer should echo John’s—“Make me less, so You may be more.”

Ask yourself: In what areas of my life am I tempted to seek recognition or praise for myself rather than pointing to Jesus?
How can I practice humility today and celebrate when Jesus is glorified—even when I’m not noticed?
Do I trust God’s purposes enough to accept only what He’s given me, just as John did?

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, You are the One who comes from above and is above all. Forgive me for the times I seek attention, recognition, or glory for myself. Teach me the joy of decreasing, so You may increase. Like John the Baptist, may my heart always rejoice at the sound of Your voice and the sight of Your glory. Help me to live and serve in a way that points others to You alone. You must become greater, Lord. I must become less. Amen.

June 28 2025