In our world today, most spend their lives trying to make a name for themselves, whether at work, online, or among their friend groups. This desire to make much of ourselves is a direct result of pride. We want to be the center of attention. We want people to think highly of us. Although this way of thinking often entices us, Scripture teaches that there is a better way. Instead of making much of ourselves, our calling is to make much of Christ.
John the Baptist understood that his life was not about himself but about making much of Christ. In John 3, some of his disciples came to him concerned that Jesus was baptizing people, too, and that everyone was going to follow Jesus instead of John (verse 26). John, however, was not concerned. He was not worried that Jesus was gaining more followers than him. He replied to his disciples, “You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for Him’” (verse 28). John made it clear that he was not the Messiah and that his role was to point others to the Messiah whom they had been waiting for. He continued explaining that he was actually “filled with joy at His success” (verse 29). Then, he said these incredible words, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less” (verse 30). John the Baptist understood his purpose, and that purpose was not to make a name for himself. Instead, his purpose was to make the name of Christ great. His attitude serves as an example for each one of us to follow.
Imagine if every Christ-follower adopted John’s statement, “He must become greater, and I must become less and less.” What would happen if every person lived with the purpose of making much of Christ instead of themselves? Let’s follow John’s example: letting go of pride and instead making much of Christ. As we adopt this mindset, we will find ourselves letting go of pride because we understand that our life is not about us but instead about Him and making Him known.
Memorize John 3:30. Commit to adopting John the Baptist's mentality that Christ's name must become greater and we must become less. Go throughout your day with this mindset in mind, committing to making much of Christ with each moment of your life.
22 Then Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside. Jesus spent some time with them there, baptizing people.
23 At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. 24 (This was before John was thrown into prison.) 25 A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. 26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”
27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. 28 You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ 29 It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. 30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
31 “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. 32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! 33 Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. 34 For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. 36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”
