1. “He Must Increase” (The Secret of True Unity) John 3:22-36
The Desire of Ages 18
“He Must Increase”
(The Secret of True Unity)
John 3:22-36 1

2. Judean Ministry of Jesus
The Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-42).
Healing of the nobleman’s son (John 4:43-54)
John’s ministry near Salim (John 3:23-36).
John imprisoned (Luke 3:19.20; Matth. 14:3-5)
Second Passover, A.D. 29 (John 5:1): The invalid at Bethesda (John 5:2-9). Rejection by the Sanhedrin (John 5:10-47). Close of Judean ministry.
First Passover, A.D. 28. First cleansing of the Temple (John 2:14-25; DA ) Discussion with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21; DA )
Ministry in Judea (John 3:22).

4. The Situation The potential power of John
The tide of popularity turned
The jealousy and quarreling of the disciples about baptism
John’s different attitude: “He must increase, I must decrease”
The attitude of the Jewish leaders
Christ withdraws quietly
Lessons for us from the lower popularity of John
We must not fix our attention to the vessel
We must accept also a humbler lot so that we do not put confidence in ourselves

5. The Cause for Disunity Ambition Selfishness Jealousy Rivalry
"But the disciples of John looked with jealousy upon the growing popularity of Jesus…The priests and rabbis had been jealous of John's influence as they saw the people leaving the synagogues and flocking to the wilderness; but here was One who had still greater power to attract the multitudes.”

6. Joy in the success of others
The Cause for Unity
Holy zeal
Selflessness
Joy in the success of others
Unity
"He [John] dwelt in an atmosphere uncontaminated with selfishness and ambition, and far above the miasma of jealousy…The soul of the prophet, emptied of self, was filled with the light of the divine.”

7. Supreme in the affections and allegiance
The Principle
The attitude of John the Baptist
The attitude of
Lucifer
Supreme in the affections and allegiance
Bridegroom Christ
Bride People
Bridegroom Christ
Bride Angels
Draws service
and affection
to himself
Friend
John
Friend Lucifer
He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
John 3:29
Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself.
Patriarchs and Prophets 35

8. The Messenger and the Word of God
The attitude of Ellen White
The attitude of
Lucifer
allegiance
affections and
Supreme in the
God´s
Word
Men
God´s
Word
Men
Draws service
and affection
to himself
E.G. White
Lucifer
... the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light. Evangelism 256
“Has God indeed said, ...“
Genesis 3:1 6