He must increase ∙∙

He must increase ∙∙

He must increase, but I must decrease. – John 3:30

John 3:27-32

 27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven.

 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for Him.’

29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success.

 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

 31 He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth and speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else.

 32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them!”

The Challenge of Playing Second Fiddle

Leonard Bernstein was the celebrated conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. He was once asked which instrument he believed was the most difficult to play. Without hesitation, he answered, “The second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but finding someone who can play second fiddle enthusiastically is a problem, and if we have no second fiddle, we have no harmony.”

This poignant observation highlights the dynamics of an orchestra. Every instrument, no matter how seemingly insignificant, plays a vital role in creating harmony. While the first chair in each section is often occupied by the most skilled, there is no triumphant harmony without the contributions of those playing second, third, and even fourth chairs.

John the Baptist’s Role as Second Fiddle

The Father assigned John the Baptist to play second fiddle to the Messiah. John’s mission was to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus Christ, ultimately working himself out of a job. With humility and unwavering dedication, John accepted his role as the forerunner, paving the way for the arrival of the Savior.

Chosen by the Father for this mission, John bore witness to the coming of His Son. He embraced this responsibility with passion and singular focus.

A Life of Simplicity and Purpose

John’s life reflected his unique calling. Living in the desert as an ascetic, he adopted a strict diet of locusts and wild honey. His message was bold and unrelenting, demanding a response from his listeners. He called people to repent of their sins and turn their lives toward God before the impending day of judgment.

John spoke with conviction, condemning sin in all its forms and stirring the hearts of those who heard him. His fiery sermons drew diverse crowds, comprising soldiers, tax collectors, leaders, the wealthy, and ordinary people. Regardless of their status, John’s message was consistent; he urged them to share with the needy, live honestly, and find contentment (Luke 3:10-14).

Preparing the Way for the Messiah

John’s central message was clear and urgent. He announced the imminent arrival of the long-awaited Messiah and fiercely warned of the coming judgment. He insisted that it wasn’t enough to simply know about the God of Israel or to rely on one’s heritage as a descendant of Abraham.

Each individual was urged to engage in deep self-reflection, literally have a “come to Jesus moment,” and seek forgiveness. John passionately called people to enter a personal relationship with the Father through the Son.

A Call to Repentance

His words shook his audience, leaving them anxious and eager for direction. Their plea, “What shall we do?” was met with a simple yet profound one-word answer from John: “Repent!”

This stark and direct message stands in contrast to much of modern preaching. A cynic once said, “People come to church today expecting very little and seldom go away disappointed.”

REFLECT & PRAY

True fulfillment is found not in seeking the spotlight, but in being content in the background and at peace in the shadows. This depth of satisfaction is a unique joy for those who are children of the King.

Father, thank You for bringing me to my “come to Jesus moment.” Through it, I’ve come to know You face-to-face. Help me to walk with You daily and grow in my understanding of Your love. Teach me to humbly serve, finding joy and contentment in the role You’ve given me.

INSIGHT

John’s Graceful Acceptance of His Role

John the Baptist embraced his position as second to the Messiah with elegance and humility. He understood that there is no room or need for competition in serving the Father. As John said in John 3:27, “A person can receive only what is given to them from heaven.” John knew that all opportunities, skills, gifts, and experiences come solely from the Father.

Understanding John’s Identity

John knew his role with certainty and clarity. He was not the Messiah, but the friend and forerunner of the Messiah. He described himself as the friend of the bridegroom, an image rich with cultural and spiritual meaning.

The Role of the Shoshben

The bridegroom’s friend, or the shoshben, was a pivotal figure in first-century Jewish weddings. Similar to a best man in today’s culture, the shoshben held significant responsibilities. He arranged the wedding, sent invitations, and hosted the wedding feast. Most importantly, his duty was to bring the bride and groom together and safeguard the bridal chamber.

Barclay explains that when his duties were fulfilled, the shoshben waited outside the bridal chamber for a celebratory moment. He would listen for the bridegroom’s joyous exclamation, such as “How lovely!” when the bride unveiled herself for the first time. The shoshben would then leave with joy and fulfillment, knowing that his mission had been accomplished.

John the Baptist as the Best Man

John recognized himself as the best man in the divine “wedding” between Israel and Jesus Christ. He understood his role was to bring the bride (Israel) and the bridegroom (Jesus) together. Once that union was established, John saw his mission as complete and was content to step back, allowing Christ to increase while he decreased.

John the Baptist had no identity crisis. He approached his role as the best man with joy, not envy. He drew satisfaction from fulfilling his God-given role and took no offense when it was time to fade into the background.

Drawing Others to Christ

John modeled an important lesson for all children of the King. Our calling is not to draw people to ourselves but to point them to the Lord Jesus Christ. Wiersbe notes that we are to inspire loyalty to the Father and His Son, not to ourselves.

J. Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China, demonstrated this same humility. After a pastor introduced him with glowing praise, Taylor began his message by saying, “Dear friends, I am the little servant of an illustrious Master.” Had John the Baptist heard this from heaven, he surely would have shouted a joyful “Hallelujah!”

The Joy of Second Fiddle

It is a greater honor to humbly play second fiddle in the Father’s grand orchestra than to refuse to participate at all. John understood his calling and fully committed to his mission without seeking personal glory or reward. He rejoiced in pointing others toward Christ, fulfilling his role with faithfulness and grace.

Jesus’ Words About John

Jesus Himself recognized John’s humility and devotion. He declared in Luke 7:28, “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John.” What a powerful testament to John’s faithfulness and the importance of his role in the Father’s plan. His example reminds us to serve with humility and purpose, drawing others to Christ and finding joy in fulfilling the roles the Father has given us.

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© Dr. H 2025