He must become greater; I must become less

John 3:22-36

An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” 

To this, John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah 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.”

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.

Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

For a while, Jesus' ministry overlaps with John the Baptist's, and Jesus draws the bigger crowds. John's reaction is exemplary. No trace of bitterness or jealousy sours his gladness at Jesus, God-given success. He is happy to let Jesus take the limelight and to fade into the background himself.

Why?

John knew he is not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him, so he gave glory to Jesus and did not feel bitterness but glad, for the bride belongs to the bridegroom. 

John testifies that whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life.

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約翰的想法很正確，我們做的結果，由神來決定。不用和人比較。人的工作本來就要彰顯神的榮耀。約翰知道從天上來的是在萬有之上。我們的事奉不要和別人比較。別的教會一年幾百人受洗，我們小組沒有其他小組興旺的比較等。

神所差來的說神的話。神賜聖靈給他是沒有限量的，我們的工作都有限的，都是受到我這個人的限制，所以神差他的兒子、耶穌的工作沒有限量，超過一切先知。我們的工作就是把人帶到耶穌面前。不是帶為自己的門徒，同樣我們都屬於耶穌，不屬於任何教會中的人，一個教會也不會非要有誰不可！

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How?

Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful.