February 26 | John 3:22-36
- Judy Webb
- Feb 26
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
The Greatest of All
By Judy Webb
"He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30 NIV)
One of the first Bible verses to have impact on me was John 3:30. ESV uses the words: "He must increase but I must decrease." Because this verse was short and concise, it was easy to memorize and carry in my heart. The verse may strike us because it addresses two human traits: humility and pride. One we must increase and the other decrease. As believers who are always learning, many of us are still carrying pride in our hearts. The idea we are so very important in the grand scheme of things is hard to dismiss. We soon learn after studying God's word that we are desperately lacking humility.
I am reminded of a line from Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life, "It's not all about me." The first time I read those words they really had a punch. I realized that I had a knack for turning things around and making them about me when that was never the case. I soon learned that I wasn't all that important in the grand scheme of things; only Jesus was. "He must become greater; I must become less."
John the Baptist knew his calling was to point out people's need for repentance and point them to Jesus. He paved the way for Jesus by calling the people to admit their sins, and then to turn from them. John knew his place, his purpose, and his calling and he would not be deterred. Even if it meant imprisonment...and it did.
"He must become greater; I must become less." What a perfect verse to grab hold of this Lent and ponder daily. Whenever we start to feel so very important, repeat John 3:30 and soon we will believe and know just who is the One who must become greater than all in our hearts and minds.
PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus,
Lent is a wonderful time to examine our hearts and our minds. Help us to recognize motives that are not pure and loving and change our ways. As we journey through these 40 days, remind us of the words of John the Baptist, "He must become greater; I must become less." And then believe they are true. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
While John’s words “He must become greater; I must become less” are provided in the context of his mission, we can all take this opportunity to review our daily schedules and calendars to put this into practice in our own lives in a sustainable manner. UALC has made it easy for us to meet this challenge with daily devotionals and a variety of service ministries. Thanks be to God!
Wow- I was so humbled when reading Psalm 90 ahead of reading this. I had written "less of me more of you Lord in my journal"...talk about God getting His message through. Thanks Judy!
Thank you, Beth. This is a lifelong endeavor, isn't it? -- Judy
Thank you, Judy, for drawing our focus back to Jesus. I will be pondering these words throughout my day.