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John 3 is one of the most incredible chapters of the Bible. It opens with a very respected and religious man named Nicodemus secretly approaching Jesus with the question of how to be born again. In the middle of the chapter is one of the best-known verses in all of Scripture: John 3:16—which reminds us that God loved the world so much, He sent His Son Jesus to save all those who would simply believe in Jesus as Lord. And then the chapter ends with a very rejected and strange prophet named John the Baptist openly declaring Jesus to be the Lamb of God sent to take away the sins of the world.

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John the Baptist makes a very bold and declarative statement in John 3:30 when he says, “He (Jesus) must increase. I must decrease.” I love this statement! For nearly 10 years, John 3:30 is what I would call my life’s verse. I want Jesus to increase. I want people to see more and more of Jesus—and less and less of me. John the Baptist knew his place in the world was not to be the Messiah—but to a voice pointing others to the Messiah.
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But do you find it strange for me to say, “Jesus must increase”? He’s God, right? How does a finite, created being like me play a role to “increase” the infinite, omnipotent Creator of the world? How could I have any effect on the “increase” of God? I can’t make Him any bigger than He already is. I can’t add one measure to the stature of God. How does one live out the message of John 3:30, “He must increase. I must decrease.”
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1. In emptying more of myself each day, I provide more room for Jesus to reside.

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Jesus can increase in my life—when I give Him room. But when my life is filled with my wants, my desires, and my wishes—often there is little room for Jesus.

We can understand this by looking into our own families. When a new child comes to live in the home, both parents—and especially, mothers—have a lot less time for themselves. They have to empty their days from what they want because they are caring for the needs of someone they love more than they love themselves. And with the increase of a child, there is a decrease of themselves.

When it comes to “He must increase,” it’s not that I have to make room for Jesus. Rather, I finally give Jesus the room He already deserves—that I have been crowding out to make more room for myself. As Jesus becomes a greater part of my life, less and less of me comes through.

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2. The more Jesus increases in my life, the more I see His worthiness.

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Do you remember we mentioned Nicodemus secretly came to Jesus at the beginning of John 3? He came secretly because he was afraid others might hear of his association with Jesus. But did you also know that Nicodemus was one of two men who took down the body of Jesus from the Cross to prepare for His burial? He was no longer hiding himself as a disciple of Jesus. Why? Because he understood what Jesus had done for him.

The more we focus on the Person and work of Jesus, the more we will be overcome by His goodness and greatness. The truth of 2 Corinthians 3:18 has overwhelmed me this past year. The more I behold the glory of Jesus, the more I become like the glory of Jesus. Just looking as Jesus changes me to be more like Him.

The problem I face is that I often choose not to take the time or make the space (in other words: “choosing not to decrease”) to behold Christ in the Word, through prayer, or with other believers. But when I do—wow—what a difference in my life! The forgiveness, mercy, love, and grace of Jesus becomes greater and sweeter—and Jesus increases in my life!

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3. As Jesus increases in my life, others see more of Christ and less of me.

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This is what becoming a disciple is all about. Jesus said in Luke 6:40 that when a disciple is fully trained, he will be like his master. It’s no wonder that each of Jesus’ disciples laid down their lives because of their belief in Christ and love for God. That is exactly what Jesus did.
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I truly desire for my life to be hidden in Christ (Col 3:3)—nothing else. I don’t need anyone to see me. I’m not worth your time, but Jesus is worthy of your life—all of it.
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May I encourage to make room for Christ today—and every day? Read His Word. Spend time with Him in prayer. Meet with other believers to worship Him. And as you do, He will increase—and as a result, you will decrease. Until one day, you will be like your Master.