A greater marriage is possible.
By now, you and your spouse have discussed, in detail, what this looks like. When Jesus becomes greater, everything changes. Reorienting your life and marriage around Him transforms your views and what you value.
Before this journey ends, consider the theme verse one last time: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Re-read it again, this time slowly. Notice the word must. Jesus must increase.You must decrease. When John the Baptist shared these words, he didn’t offer this statement merely as a suggestion; it was a bold proclamation for the posture of his life – and then he fully lived into those words.
Contextually, John’s proclamation in John 3:30 came at a crucial moment in his life. For years, John baptized many in the wilderness to prepare them for the long-awaited Messiah. When Jesus entered the picture and baptized people in the Judean countryside, John’s followers panicked as their ministry diminished because people went to Jesus instead. John quickly reassured his team that this was how it needed to happen. John knew his role as the one sent ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for many to come to Him (John 3:28).
The fullness of John’s lifelong dream was finally at hand. John was sent to prepare the way for Jesus. John surrendered perceived earthly gains and glamour and willingly made himself lower so that Jesus’ fame would increase. It gave John the ultimate fulfillment to do so: “He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice.So this joy of mine is complete” (John 3:29).
As a follower of Jesus, He is the groom, and you are the deeply adored, ultimately treasured, and zealously pursued bride. At the same time, you are also like the “friend” that John referenced, called to prepare the way for others to come to Jesus. John’s joy was satisfied when he realized all that Jesus was doing right before his eyes. Everything changed for John when Jesus became greater—and it gave John the fullness of joy.
In the same way, you and your spouse are called to be sent on a mission together. Jesus wants to use your marriage here and now for something greater. A lost and hurting world is in desperate need of Jesus. Like John the Baptist, when you surrender and make Jesus greater, your marriage can prepare the way for others to come to Him.
In arguably the most influential position in today’s world, as a coach and spouse, you are positioned for generational impact in the lives of your athletes and fellow coaches.Yet, it all comes down to your relationship with Jesus and then your relationship with your spouse. You must win at home.
Apply all that you learned in this resource to your marriage. Don’t wait. Start today. Continue the regular rhythm of diving deep into discussion with one another. Take the next steps for a greater marriage.
He must become greater.