22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. 23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. 24 For John was not yet cast into prison. 25 Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. 26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. 27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:22-30 KJV)
John the Baptist Exalts Christ
We have here an account of the limited success of Christ’s preaching and miracles at Jerusalem during the Passover.
Our Lord Jesus, while in Jerusalem for the Passover, preached and performed miracles. The people’s belief in him implies that he preached, and it is explicitly stated that they saw the miracles he did. Since his main residence was in Galilee, he was especially active when in Jerusalem, the holy city from which God’s word was to go forth. The Passover was a holy time, a divinely appointed festival for worship. At such times, Levites taught the knowledge of the Lord (2 Chronicles 30:22), and Christ used this opportunity to preach, when crowds were large, thereby honoring the institution of the Passover.
As a result, many came to believe in his name, acknowledging him as a teacher sent from God, like Nicodemus did (John 3:2). Some, likely those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem, believed him to be the promised Messiah and were eager to welcome the appearance of that bright morning star.
Yet Jesus did not entrust himself to them (John 2:24). The Greek phrase “ouk episteuen eauton autois” uses the same word as “believe,” suggesting that believing in Christ involves committing ourselves to him. However, Christ did not find reason to trust these new believers in Jerusalem, where he had many enemies. This might have been because some of them were false and would betray him if tempted. He found more trustworthy disciples among the Galileans than among the residents of Jerusalem. In dangerous situations, it is wise to be cautious about whom you trust.
Or perhaps they were simply weak rather than treacherous. They may have lacked courage and zeal and could be frightened into doing wrong. In challenging times, cowards are unreliable. Others may have lacked discretion and self-control. These Jerusalem believers possibly expected a political Messiah and were ready to rebel if Christ had aligned with them, but he did not, because his kingdom is not of this world. Like Christ, we should be cautious of unstable, disruptive people, even if they claim to believe in him.
The reason he did not trust them was because he knew them (John 2:25)—both their sinfulness and their weaknesses. This reveals Christ’s omniscience.
He knew all people—not just their names or appearances, but their nature, thoughts, motives, and intentions. He sees into every heart. He knows his enemies’ secret plots, his false friends’ real characters, and those who truly belong to him—their sincerity and their flaws. He understands our makeup completely.
He didn’t need anyone to tell him about people. Unlike earthly rulers who depend on others for information, Christ’s knowledge is based on his own infallible insight. Angels are his messengers, not spies, for his own eyes run throughout the earth (2 Chronicles 16:9). This comforts us when Satan accuses us, knowing Christ will not accept his slanders.
He knows what is in man—both individual hearts and human nature. While we see people’s actions, Christ sees what is inside. He examines the heart and mind. This is the unique right of the eternal Word (Hebrews 4:12-13). We overstep if we presume to judge others’ hearts. Christ is perfectly qualified to be our Savior, understanding every part of our condition and every need. He is also perfectly suited to be Judge of all, because his judgment, based on full knowledge, must be true.
This was the extent of Christ’s success in preaching and performing miracles during this visit to Jerusalem. Though the Lord came to his temple, only a few weak and simple people responded—people from whom he could gain neither honor nor trust. Yet he will ultimately see the result of his sacrifice and be satisfied.
He considers it necessary and right that Christ’s reputation and influence should increase while his own should decrease (John 3:30): “He must increase, but I must decrease.” If anyone resents the growing influence of Jesus, they will find more reasons to be troubled, as those who give in to envy often do. John speaks of this not only as inevitable but as entirely just and satisfying to him.
He was glad to see Christ’s kingdom advancing: “He must increase. You think he has gained much, but it is nothing compared to what he will gain.” The kingdom of Christ is growing, like morning light or a mustard seed.
He wasn’t at all upset that his own influence was shrinking: “I must decrease.” Created greatness is subject to decline. “I have seen an end of all perfection.” As Christ’s glory shines brighter, it overshadows all other glory. Glory that competes with Christ—worldly and fleshly—fades in the soul as love for Christ grows. Even that which supports him must step aside. As morning light increases, the morning star fades. If our humility helps exalt Christ’s name, we should gladly accept it and be willing to be anything—or nothing—so that Christ may be everything.
John the Baptist exalts Christ and teaches his disciples about him, so they wouldn’t be jealous of those coming to Jesus but would follow him themselves.