For His Honor

For His Honor

He must become greater; I must become less.

John 3:30

IN WORD People had been flocking to John in the wilderness, seeking the baptism of repentance and soaking up the words of a bona fide prophet. John had even gotten the attention of Judea’s most influential classes, as both Pharisees and Sadducees came to hear his teaching (Matthew 3:7). His ministry had gathered steam, and he was on a roll. Clearly, God was working in his life. The man in whom the Holy Spirit had dwelled since the day of his birth (Luke 1:15) was popular among the masses and a threat to the elite. He was a rising star.

No wonder, then, that his disciples were a little concerned with the Galilean who was starting up His own ministry. Their rising star had a rival, at least in their eyes. They had hitched themselves to a prophet whose influence was rapidly declining while Another’s rose. Israel needed John’s message; his disciples were just sure of it. So they approached John with this serious problem: This Galilean whom John had testified about was stealing John’s sheep.

John assured his disciples that the sheep were now following the right Shepherd. He also confirmed their insecurity over John’s status. The other Teacher was, in fact, the greater one. His influence must rise at all costs—even if it meant the end of John’s prophetic ministry. Jesus must become greater, and John must fade away.

IN DEED John put words to the attitude that every believer should maintain: In every situation, we must defer to Jesus. He is God incarnate, and God does not yield His glory to others (Isaiah 48:11). Nor should He. It’s a travesty when our service points to us and not to Him. It’s shameful when our words give credit to human beings and not to Him. It’s tragic when the world looks at us and sees only us. Instead of our being the supporting actors and Jesus being the star, we often get the roles reversed. But Jesus is more than a supporting actor, and we are not rightfully stars. Every day, repeat John’s words: He must become greater; I must become less.

The soul stands at salute when Jesus passes by.

—ANONYMOUS