The Best Man during the Time of Jesus

January 10, 2026 Saturday after Epiphany
Daily Readings: 1 John 5:14-21; John 3:22-30

Children of God, In the time of Jesus, the best man played a crucial role in a Jewish wedding. Aside from being the trusted friend of the groom, his task was to prepare the bride, arrange the meeting, guard the joy of the celebration, and then quietly step aside once the groom arrived. When the groom’s voice would be heard and the wedding began, the best man would rejoice knowing that his mission was fulfilled. He said: “He must increase; I must decrease.” (John 3:30). This background helps us understand why John the Baptist, in the gospel of John, describes himself as the friend of the bridegroom, while Jesus is the groom and the bride is the people of God, the Church (John 3:29).

From this wedding image, the gospel gently brings us to the heart of John the Baptist. His words reveal deep clarity about his vocation. He knows who he is and who he is not. And from that clarity, he teaches us how to live our own discipleship with peace and joy.

What are our inspirations for today? 

First, John the Baptist shows us that true joy comes from knowing our place in God’s plan. He openly admits, “I am not the Messiah,” and he is not offended that people are now following Jesus instead of him (John 3:28). Like the best man, John understands that his role is temporary but meaningful. His happiness comes from faithfulness, not from popularity.

This challenges our tendency to compare ourselves with others. In family life, ministry, or work, we often measure success by recognition. John reminds us that joy is found in doing what God asks of us, even if our role seems small or unnoticed. When we accept our mission with humility, we experience freedom. We no longer compete; we cooperate with God’s grace at work in others.

Second, “He must increase; I must decrease.” (John 3:30). This is spiritual maturity. John knows that stepping aside for Christ is not diminishing himself, but allowing God’s plan to unfold. Like the best man who disappears once the wedding begins, John steps back so that Jesus may be fully revealed.

This teaches us that faith is about surrender. In a world that pushes us to assert ourselves, the gospel invites us to trust God enough to let go. 

Children of God, John the Baptist teaches us that the deepest joy in life comes not from being at the center, but from pointing to Christ. When we learn to say, with sincerity, “He must increase; I must decrease,” we discover that God’s glory and our true fulfillment walk hand in hand.