He Must Increase

As the forerunner to Jesus, John the Baptist likens himself to the bridegroom’s friend, concluding, “He must increase, and I must decrease.” John first explains Christ’s matchless authority-he comes from above, so is therefore above all. Second, John points to Jesus’ testimony-he is the heaven-sent, Spirit-filled, truth of God, who bears witness to what he has seen and heard from above. Thirdly, John illustrates the gift of Jesus-given by the Father to his people. With this gift comes the promised good news: whoever believes in the Son, has eternal life.