He must increase

Here at Church Leadership, Advent has just begun - a splendid Oasis reflection for the October issue of the magazine has arrived.

Author Jane Williams ponders John the Baptist's words: 'He must increase, but I must decrease.' (John 3:30)

She writes: 'All the gospels agree that John the Baptist had a very high-profile and successful ministry. People came to him in their droves, and hung on his every word. Although he was perfectly clear that his mission was to prepare a way for someone else, could he really have expected to be so utterly swept away when the one for whom he had been waiting came? Was no part of him expecting to be at least second in command, with a continuing ministry of his own, in support of Jesus’? This one little sentence in St John’s Gospel suggests otherwise. John the Baptist knew when to step aside.'

Mrs Williams continues with a thoughtful and perceptive meditation on the sacrifice and solace of knowing when, as a leader, it is time to 'let go'.

The picture above would have been instantly recognized by contemporary viewers as depicting Jesus' cousin John - from the symbolic Lamb, and from the upward-pointing gesture, acting out the famous 'increase/decrease' remark.

More info on subscribing to Church Leadership here.