Less is More!

(John 3:22-36)
More is defined as "in greater measure" or "of greater importance." We know that Jesus turned this view upside down. John the Baptist who was the "voice" introducing Jesus onto the scene set an incredible example for us to follow. John had spent time with his followers and others giving the testimony of Christ. We read of this clearly in John 1 when John proclaimed, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ... 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me ..." Yet, his followers still didn't quite get it.

After his conversation with Nicodemus, we see Jesus beginning to baptize in the countryside. Many were starting to follow him. In verse 25, we see that "an argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter ..." Apparently, John's followers were a bit miffed that people were leaving John to follow Jesus and they approached John about it, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."

First of all, referring to John as a Rabbi, shows great respect. John the Baptist had accomplished himself as a great teacher. Many were following him. Yet, he chose this moment to point people again to Jesus.

"That man" -- :-), what an interesting characterization of Jesus Christ. Reminds me of the scene in Disney's Lady and the Tramp, when the couple refers to Lady as "that dog." It hurt her feelings and she ran away. To the followers of John, Jesus was becoming a problem. They were losing momentum because "everyone is going to him." To make matters worse, he is "the one you testified about." In other words, John, you created this problem. What do we do?

I love John's response:

"... A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ 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."

John gives Jesus the glory refering to him as "the Christ." He refers to him as his friend. He is not envious, but rather he says, "that joy is mine, and it is now complete." I didn't invent the phrase, but I repeat it often ... it is not about us. John knows that and demonstrates that. What an example of a life of sacrifice, a servant-leader who pointed his followers and others to Jesus Christ. "He must become greater; I must become less." Less is more!