Jesus Must Increase
January 11, 2025 - Saturday after Epiphany
John 3:22–30
In the first chapter of John’s Gospel, we hear of two disciples leaving John the Baptist to follow Jesus. Yet, many others continued coming to John. Today’s passage reveals a pivotal moment: one of John’s disciples voices concern that now “everyone” is going to Jesus instead. How did John respond?
John the Baptist, the patron saint of my confirmation, has always held a special influence over me. Like him, I am drawn to the quiet of deserts rather than the noise of cities, to the peripheries over comfort zones, and to straightforward speech over ambiguity. One phrase of his especially resonates with me: “He [Jesus] must increase; I [John] must decrease.”
When John was told that Jesus was drawing larger crowds, he did not complain, grow angry, or feel envious. Instead, he humbly reminded his disciples of his role: he was not the Messiah but the one sent to prepare the way for Him. His mission was to act as the best man, preparing the bride—the people of Israel—for the bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Now that Jesus had come, John’s work was complete, and he was ready to step aside.
John’s final recorded words in this Gospel are profound: “He must increase; I must decrease.” The Greek word δεῖ — translated as “must” — means “it is necessary.” This word carries significant weight throughout the Gospels. Jesus teaches that “it is necessary” to be born anew to enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:7) and for the Son of Man to be lifted up (John 3:14). Just as the cross is necessary for humanity’s salvation, baptism is necessary for each believer’s new life in Christ. Saint Paul explains that in baptism, we share in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
John’s declaration is more than a personal statement; it is a universal principle for discipleship. “He must increase; I must decrease” invites us to shift our focus from ourselves to Christ. Life is not about me, me, me. It is a journey from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness, from clinging to our selfish desires to embracing the life and mission of Jesus.
John’s words were fulfilled in his own life. He was arrested and eventually beheaded. Yet, his legacy endures. The witness of his humility and righteousness remains an integral part of the Gospel message proclaimed throughout the world.
May we, like John the Baptist, make his motto our own. Let us seek to magnify Christ in all that we do, allowing Him to increase in our lives as we decrease. In this, we will find the true meaning and purpose of our journey of faith.