Center Stage

He must increase. I must decrease.

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”[a]-John3:22-30

The Gospel reading is all about one thing: HUMILITY. The voice of humility easily dies away when one succumbs to greed, power, fame and ambition. "Why should I give it up?" "Why must I go away and give my power to another?" Such are the thoughts of one who cannot let go of worldly prestige.

In our local town, a family dynasty was thriving. The mother or the son was elected to be the town mayor. Some say that they are not really "working" but are just passing their work to a "little mayor" who did everything for them. The mayor promised a supporter that she is willing to pass on the power to this supporter since she has held on to the position for a great many years already. Then, quite suddenly, the mayor changed her mind. Rather than giving the power to the supporter, she forced her son to replace her as mayor. Yes, honor is lost. Giving others a chance to serve, is lost. There is only greed, power, fame, money, prestige and ambition to be considered.

John the Baptist reached the "rock star" status also. Once upon a time, he was thought of as a Messiah or The Prophet. But he remained humble. Then Jesus came. Instead of John holding on to his followers and not giving up his position, he humbly submitted himself and was willing to bow out and decrease so that Jesus will increase. John was willing to exit so that Jesus - The Bridegroom - will take the center stage. When did we show true humility in our lives?

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