He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease

John 3:22-36
Key Verse 30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

1. Look at verses 22-24. What were Jesus and his disciples, and John the baptist and his disciples doing? Where were they?
2. V25-27. What concern did John’s disciples bring to him? What were they worried about? How did John respond in verse 27? How did John begin to address their concern in verse 27?
3. V28-30. How does the marriage metaphor of a bridegroom and the friend of the bridegroom further explain who Jesus is, compared to John? Why is it important for John to decrease?
4. V31-33. Where does John say that Jesus came from? How does this add importance to Jesus' testimony?
5. V34-36. How does John further explain the reality of who Jesus is in verses 34-36? Who sent him? What does he utter? What does he give? Why is it important to believe and obey him?
6. Consider the full explanation John the baptist gave of who Jesus is. Why is it important to focus on Jesus? Similarly, why is it important for us to decrease and for Jesus to increase, and for us to direct others’ attention to Jesus? How can we do this?