Thoughts on the Gospel of John (34) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

You yourselves bear me witness that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3: 28 - 30.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (34)
John's humility and modesty impress us. It is not the first time that he stressed: "I am not the Christ". His disciples could testify that he did not claim all the glory for himself. He was merely the forerunner of that unique Person, the Christ.

John now gave another illustration to clarify his relationship to Christ: he was the "friend of the bridegroom". Christ is the true bridegroom, who would soon have a bride. Here there is no further mention of the bride. The book of the Revelation makes it clear who is meant. The Lamb of God will one day celebrate His marriage feast. His "wife" will be all the believers who .

John the Baptist is not one of those who stand in such an intimate relationship to the bridegroom. Yet as a friend he rejoices with the bridegroom without any envy. Neither more nor less is intended for him.

The service of Christ in this world was to "increase" like the brightness of the rising sun, until He reigns as the King of kings on this earth. John's ministry, by contrast; would decrease. As Christ was now present, he would have to stand down. His ministry was over. If only we had more of John's attitude: not wishing for personal fame, but desiring that all honour should be given to the Son of God.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today‘s reading: Deuteronomy 6: 1 - 15 · Matthew 22: 23 - 33