John Calvin Commentary John 3:30

"He must increase, but I must decrease." — John 3:30 (ASV)

He must increase. John the Baptist proceeds further. For, having formerly been raised by the Lord to the highest dignity, he shows that this was only for a time. But now that the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2) has arisen, he must give way.

Therefore, he not only scatters and drives away the empty fumes of honor which had been rashly and ignorantly heaped upon him by men, but is also exceedingly careful that the true and lawful honor which the Lord had bestowed on him may not obscure the glory of Christ.

Accordingly, he tells us that the reason he had until then been regarded as a great prophet was that he was placed in so lofty a station only for a time, until Christ came, to whom he must surrender his office.

Meanwhile, he declares that he will most willingly endure being reduced to nothing, provided that Christ occupy and fill the whole world with His rays. And this zeal of John, all pastors of the Church ought to imitate, by stooping with the head and shoulders to elevate Christ.