January 23, 2026 | Be Connected
I Must Become Less
Scripture: John 3:27-36(NIV)
27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 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. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”
31 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. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
Devotional
“He (Jesus) must become greater; I must become less.” This verse was the theme of the 2010 High School Mission trip, which was called “More or Less.” Yes, I still have the t-shirt.
This is a profound passage, revealing a great deal about John the Baptist, and what our relationship with Jesus should be like. John the Baptist had been preaching of the coming Good News. He had followers. He was drawing crowds and baptizing them. He was controversial. Back in the day, John the Baptist was what passed for being a “celebrity.”
But John knew Jesus, and I mean he REALLY knew Jesus. It was more than that they were related. Even while in the womb, John leapt for joy when Mary came to stay with Elizabeth. In his calling, John the Baptist consistently preached that he was only the messenger preparing the way for Jesus, who was far greater than him. John the Baptist not only knew Jesus, but he also understood who Jesus was as Son of God.
So, when Jesus begins His ministry, John the Baptist’s followers and the crowds begin to follow Jesus instead. John is good with that, which is so contrary to earthly human nature. So often this situation would lead to jealousy and resentment, not celebration. With the words, “I must become less” John showed the real core of Christian faith; it is humility.
John (the Apostle) follows John the Baptist’s statement with the explanation why John the Baptist got it right: “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.” John the Baptist says not only must Jesus become more in the world, but He must also become more in our hearts.
If someone asks if your heart follows Jesus, the answer should not be “more or less.” Jesus needs to be more.
