He Must Increase

The moment someone else gets the attention you wanted, something honest rises to the surface. That is why John 3:20–36 feels so current. We walk through the scene where John the Baptist’s own disciples worry that the crowds are shifting to Jesus, and we watch John respond with calm, clarity, and real spiritual maturity. Instead of competing, he points upward: what we receive is given from heaven, and the work was never about our name in the first place.

We lean into John’s wedding picture, where Jesus is the bridegroom and John is the friend who rejoices to hear the bridegroom’s voice. It is a powerful image for Christian humility, servant leadership, and daily discipleship. Then we slow down at the line that can reshape your priorities, attitudes, and decisions: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” As Christ increases in our lives, pride shrinks, selfish ambition loses its grip, and obedience becomes less of a burden and more of a desire.

We also end where the passage ends, with hope and certainty. Jesus comes from heaven, speaks the words of God, and holds authority given by the Father. And Scripture gives a steady promise for anyone wrestling with doubt: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” If you want a short, Scripture-rich Christian devotional that calls you out of self-promotion and into joy, this is for you. Subscribe to Morning Manna, share this with a friend, and leave a review that tells us where you want to see Christ increase next.

Transcript

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Welcome To Morning Manna

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Good morning and welcome to Morning Manna where we feed our souls one day at a time from the precious Word of God. I'm your host, Pastor Woody Posey.

John 3 And The Call To Humility

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Today our devotional comes from John chapter three, verses twenty through through thirty six, a passage that teaches us one of the greatest lessons in the Christian life true humility.

John’s Followers Panic About Jesus

SPEAKER_00 0:22

John the Baptist had become a well known preacher. Crowds had gathered to hear him, and many had been baptized, but now the people were beginning to follow Jesus instead. Some of John's disciples were concerned. They came to him and said, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou bearest witness, behold, the same baptizeth and all men come to him. In other words, they were saying, John, you're losing your followers. But John wasn't discouraged, he wasn't jealous, he wasn't competing with Jesus. Instead he answered with remarkable wisdom A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven. John understood that every opportunity to serve God is a gift from God. There is no room for pride when we remember that everything we have comes from him. John reminded them that he had never claimed to be the Christ. His purpose had always been to prepare the way for Jesus.

The Wedding Picture Of Joy

SPEAKER_00 1:24

To explain his joy, John used the illustration of a wedding. He said He that hath a bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice, this my joy therefore is fulfilled. John saw himself as the friend of the bridegroom. The wedding wasn't about him, the celebration belonged to the bridegroom. John found joy not in being the center of attention, but seeing Jesus receive the honor he deserved. Then comes one of the most powerful statements in all the scripture. He must increase, but I must decrease. Those seven words describe the heart of every faithful disciple. The Christian life is not about making our name greater, it is about making the name of Jesus greater. As Christ increases in our lives, pride decreases. As Christ increases, selfish ambition decreases. As Christ increases, our desire to obey him grows stronger.

Jesus Above Self Promotion

SPEAKER_00 2:32

John concludes this passage by reminding us who Jesus truly is. He came from heaven. He speaks the words of God. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. Finally, John gives this wonderful promise He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. What a comforting assurance. Those who place their faith in Jesus don't have to wonder whether they have eternal life. God's word declares that they have everlasting life. Our world encourages us to build our platform, promote ourselves, and seek recognition. But the Christian life points us in different directions. Every day should be another opportunity for Jesus to increase in our hearts. When people see our lives, may they notice less of us and more of Him. Ask yourself today, are my words pointing people to Christ? Are my actions bringing Him glory? Is Jesus increasing in my priorities, my attitudes, and my decisions? Let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank

Self Check And Closing Prayer

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you for the example of John the Baptist. Teach us to live with humble hearts that desire your glory above our own. Help us to decrease so that Christ may increase in every part of our lives. May our thoughts, words, and actions point others to Jesus. Thank you for the assurance of everlasting life through faith in your Son. Strengthen us to live each day for His honor and praise. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As you go through your day, carry these words with you. He must increase, but I must decrease. If Christ is lifted up in your life, your family will notice. Your friends will notice, your co workers will notice. Most importantly, God will be glorified. Thank you for listening to Morning Mana. Until next time, may the Lord bless you, keep you, and help you live each day so that Jesus is seen more clearly through you.