This statement from John the Baptist is so challenging to me. John is speaking to his followers after they have told him that everyone is starting to go to Jesus for baptism (v. 26).
Picture it in your mind. John the Baptist stands with his disciples who admire him and follow him. He has obviously developed some sort of reputation as a prophet, and he has prophesied the coming of the Messiah. He seems to be the perfect example of a follower of God.
Yet, with this statement, "He must become greater, I must become less," John says that I must still let go of more of myself in order for Christ to become greater.
This is convicting for me. So often I think that I need to become greater with God. "Oh, great God, look at all the wonderful things we're doing. Look how many people we're helping."
Yet, with God's gentle nudging and sometimes harsh rebuking, I am reminded that nope, this journey to the cross is all about more of God and less of me.
We are called to release and follow, and this season of Lent is the perfect time to be reminded of that. What do you need to let go of today so that God can become greater and you can become less?
Father, show us how we can decrease so that you can increase. You must become greater; we must become less.
Mary Kathryn Nader
