Today's scripture is John 3:22-30. Let me read John 3:22-30. "After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming to be baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.' To this John replied, 'A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, “I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.” The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom who stands and listens for him rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.' Amen."
Graduation is truly a special time. It is also a bittersweet moment as a season of your life comes to an end. The transition from elementary to middle school, and from middle school to high school, is significant. The life you are leaving behind is much simpler. Elementary students can enjoy their time as children without worrying about homework or grades. Middle schoolers have more opportunities than elementary students, but the responsibilities of school can weigh a bit heavier. However, at least they don’t have to worry about their GPA yet. So as you transition from one season to the next, you leave behind a simpler life. You may miss the good old days, but the new season you are entering will bring new challenges and privileges.
For you high school graduates preparing for graduation, the change is the greatest. You are closing a chapter that encompasses the last 18 years of your life. This new season brings you more independence, opportunities, recognition, and the responsibility to prove yourself. You have heard that you can do anything you set your mind to, and you have received a great vision that you can achieve through hard work. Everything is set up for you to be the main character. However, today’s scripture presents a very different picture. John’s disciples came to John with concerns that Jesus was gathering many people. They said to John, "That man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan, the one you testified about, is baptizing, and everyone is going to him." But John did not feel threatened by this; rather, he proclaimed the great words, "He must become greater; I must become less."