Chapter 7
He Must Increase
Learn the difference between Christ-centered humility, unhealthy self-erasure, and jealousy disguised as concern.
- John 3:22–36
John rejoiced when Jesus received greater attention because John understood that Christ was the center of God’s plan.
A Question About Popularity
As people increasingly went to Jesus, some of John’s disciples sounded competitive. John did not defend his territory, criticize Jesus, or claim ownership of followers.
The Bridegroom’s Friend
John compared Jesus to a bridegroom and himself to the bridegroom’s friend. The friend rejoices when the bridegroom arrives. John’s joy was fulfilled because the One he announced was receiving the attention that belonged to Him.
He Must Increase
John recognized that Jesus’ ministry must become central while his preparatory ministry receded. The decrease was faithful completion, not defeat.
Humility Without Self-Hatred
Humility tells the truth about limitations and gifts, refuses stolen credit, celebrates others, accepts correction, and uses influence to point toward Christ. It does not mean accepting abuse, hiding danger, denying needs, or pretending a child has no value.
The Son Remains Central
John 3 ends by contrasting belief in the Son with rejection of the Son. Humility is good; Christ is the Savior.
Fantasticamos Truth Compass
John rejoiced and said Christ must increase while he decreased.
John described the God-appointed transition from forerunner to Messiah.
Believers can serve without making Christian work a competition.
Children should become invisible or accept mistreatment.
KJV Vocabulary
- Bridegroom
- A man being married; here an image connected with Christ.
- Friend of the bridegroom
- A trusted attendant who rejoices with him.
- Increase
- Become greater in prominence.
- Decrease
- Become less central or prominent.
Ariel’s Investigator Question
Why was losing followers to Jesus a success rather than a failure for John?
Alice’s Look-and-Tell
Which is humble: ruining a project because someone else was praised, or being glad it helped while speaking truthfully if credit needs correction?
He Must Increase Humility Challenge
Choose the response that is humble, truthful, and safe.
Parent Answer Guide
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You receive praise for telling a Bible story.
— Thank you; I am glad we learned about Jesus
Humility receives thanks without taking Christ’s place. -
Someone else performs a task better.
— Celebrate and keep learning
Humility can celebrate another person. -
A child is being mistreated and thinks humility requires silence.
— Tell a safe trustworthy adult
Humility never requires hiding danger. -
You make a mistake.
— Admit it, correct it, and keep learning
Truthful correction is humble.
Family Discussion
- What is the difference between humility and self-hatred?
- Can a person accept praise without worshipping attention?
- Why should a child tell a safe adult about mistreatment?
Challenge Extension
Read John 3:27–36 and identify statements about John’s assignment, Jesus’ authority, and belief in the Son.
Parent Teaching Note
Never use “He must increase” to silence a child’s pain, discourage healthy confidence, or protect abuse. John’s statement concerns Christ’s supremacy and the transition of his ministry.