John the Baptist, at his appearance as the Messiah's herald, stirred the nation. From place to place his steps were followed by vast throngs of people of every rank and station. But when the One came to whom he had borne witness, all was changed. The crowds followed Jesus, and John's work seemed fast closing. Yet there was no wavering of his faith. "He must increase," he said, "but I must decrease." John 3:30.

Johannes Døber skabte røre blandt folket, da han trådte frem som Messias' forløber. Store skarer fulgte i hans fodspor fra sted til sted folk af alle samfundsklasser og stillinger, Men da Ham kom, som han havde vidnet om, blev det hele forandret. Skarerne fulgte Jesus, og Johannes' gerning syntes hastigt at nærme sig sin afslutning. Dog var der ingen vaklen i hans tro.»Han bør vokse, men jeg blive mindre!« sagde han. Joh. 3,30.