John 3:30

This classic expression of humility arose out of John’s perception of and acceptance of His God-given role as Messiah’s forerunner. Far from discouraging people from following Jesus, as his disciples implied he should, John would continue to promote Him. He viewed this as God’s will and therefore said it "must" be so. Would that all of us who are God’s servants would view Jesus’ position and our own similarly. Submission to God’s will and the exaltation of Jesus, not prominence in His service, should bring joy to His servants.

Unfortunately some of John’s disciples continued to follow him rather than taking their rabbi’s advice to follow Jesus (cf. Acts 18:24-26; Acts 19:1-7).