In this powerful message from John 3:25–36, Pastor Jason Jarvis walks through John the Baptist’s remarkable response when people began leaving his ministry to follow Jesus. Rather than seeing Christ as a threat to his influence, John rejoiced because his entire ministry existed to point people to Christ.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30
This message challenges us to see ministry and our entire lives through the lens of Jesus Christ. Our calling is not ultimately about making much of ourselves, building our reputation, or proving our effectiveness. Faithful ministry is about making much of Jesus.
Pastor Jason explores five truths from this passage:
- Every ministry is assigned by Jesus Christ.
- Every faithful ministry is meant to make much of the Son.
- Jesus must be made much of because He comes from above.
- Jesus speaks the revelation of God and possesses the Spirit without measure.
- What we do with Jesus matters above all.
Jesus is above every teacher, prophet, king, circumstance, success, failure, and earthly power. He knows us completely, and yet He loves us completely. He came from heaven, gave His life for His people, rose again, and now reigns.
And because Christ has first ministered to us, we can minister to others from the fullness of His love.
Ministry exists to magnify Christ.
The question is: Is Jesus the ground and goal of your life?
Have you received His ministry? Do you trust His finished work? Are you allowing His love to overflow into the way you serve, encourage, teach, and love others?
If you belong to Christ, you don’t have to manufacture the power for ministry. You can depend upon the Spirit and anticipate Christ’s ministry working through you.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”