John 3:22-36 is an interlude between Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus, centred around being born again, and his encounter with the Samaritan women at the well. John returns to John the Baptist. What we discover in this passage is that John the Baptist’s ministry is still going strong, which raises the issue of the relationship between his ministry and that of Jesus. In a powerful metaphor, John describes his role as the "best man" serving the bridegroom and gives us something of a vision statement for his life and ministry: Jesus must increase, but I must decrease. A role and vision statement that is at the heart of being a disciple of Jesus. This passage provides us with an opportunity to reflect and consider ways in which we can grow as disciples; people who spend all their time with Jesus, becoming more like Jesus and loving like Jesus.