He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease

This meditation is based on a passage for December 12, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: John 3:22-30

Reflection and Question: I love John the Baptist. At the most basic level, he is my model for ministry. I take to heart the image of the bridegroom and the best man that John uses here to characterize his role in connection with Jesus. Jesus is the bridegroom. Both John and I are the best man. We’re the ones to support the bridegroom from a subordinate place. When I am in that place of pointing to Jesus, like John, my joy is complete because He must increase. And the more I decrease so that Jesus may become powerfully real to another, the happier I am. In what way do you identify with John?

Prayer: Jesus, our Beloved, You and John were cousins and you both emerged as leaders inspiring the people. John delighted in his place as the bridegroom’s friend. Joy filled him as You increased and he decreased. Make it so for us, too, we pray. Amen.