Jesus Must Increase and John the Baptist Must Decrease
(John 3:22-36)
After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside. He stayed there with them and baptized people. John the Baptist was also baptizing, at a place called Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People kept coming and being baptized. This was before John had been put in prison.
Some of John's disciples got into a discussion with a Jew about purifying, which means washing to be made clean. Then they came to John and said, "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness, look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him." Say this part in a worried voice.
Listen to how John answered. "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.'"
Then John used a picture from a wedding. "The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete." The bridegroom is the man who is getting married. In John's picture, Jesus is the bridegroom, and John is the friend who is full of joy just to stand and listen. Then John said the words we will memorize: "He must increase, but I must decrease." Raise your hands slowly on "increase" and lower them on "decrease."
The passage goes on to tell us who Jesus is. "He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all." Jesus came down from heaven, so He is greater than anyone on earth. "He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony." That means many people did not accept His words. Those who do accept them agree that God is true.
God gave Jesus His Spirit "without measure," which means with no limit. "The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand." Then comes a clear choice. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." Wrath is God's anger against sin. The invitation is for whoever believes.
A Curious Question
Why do you think John was full of joy, instead of upset, when everyone started going to Jesus?
Old Testament Connection
John said that the Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. That sounds like a promise God made long ago in Psalm 2:7-8. God spoke to His chosen King: "You are my Son... Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession." Jesus is that Son and King. When John pointed people to Jesus, he was pointing to the promised King, the one the Father has put in charge of everything.
Discussion Questions
- John's disciples were worried that everyone was going to Jesus. Why did John say this was a reason for joy?
- John called himself the friend of the bridegroom and Jesus the bridegroom. What was John's job, and what was Jesus' job?
- John said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." What is one way you could let Jesus be bigger and yourself be smaller this week?
So What? What Can I Do?
- When someone else gets praise for something you wanted, say quietly, "Jesus must increase," and clap for them.
- At school, share a turn or let a classmate go first, because being like Jesus matters more than being first.
- At home, tell the truth about a mistake instead of hiding it, because Jesus sees and loves honesty.
- When you pray, ask God to help you want Jesus to be seen more than you want to be seen.
Memorize God's Word
John 3:30: "He must increase, but I must decrease."
- He must increase raise both hands slowly upward like something is growing taller.
- but I must decrease lower both hands slowly toward the floor like something is getting smaller.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank You for sending Jesus from above. Thank You that He is the Son who has all things in His hand. Help us trust Him and step back so He is seen. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Craft or Activity
More of Jesus Less of Me Sign
Kids make a simple sign to help them remember John 3:30 and practice putting Jesus first.
Materials Checklist:
- Cut the sign: Cut a rectangle from the cardstock.
- Write the words: Write "More of Jesus" at the top and "Less of Me" at the bottom with markers.
- Decorate: Decorate the sign with stickers.
- Add a handle: Glue a wooden craft stick to the back as a handle.
- Say the verse: Hold the sign and practice saying John 3:30 together.
Effective Teaching Techniques
- For Younger Children: Use the hand motions for John 3:30 before the lesson and again at the end. Let kids say the verse with you slowly.
- Prep Shortcut: Pre-cut the cardstock rectangles and write the words lightly in pencil so kids can trace them.
- Classroom Management: Give each child a job, such as passing out markers or collecting scissors, to keep hands busy and hearts ready.
- For Older Kids: Ask them to put John 3:30 in their own words and share one situation where it is hard to let Jesus be first.