The UC view is controversial, in part because theologians generally say that John fulfilled his obligation to Jesus completely, merely by baptizing him at the Jordan River and declaring that Jesus was the Messiah. The UC argues strenuously that John was intended to do far more than this.
The UC view on the contrary sees this verse as indicating John's arrogance and foolishness. If John had followed Jesus as an disciple, he would have easily become Jesus's chief apostle (instead of Peter). As Jesus' following "increased", John as Jesus right-hand-man would also have "increased".
It has long been a source of consternation to UC members that many Christians impute to the UC the view that Jesus failed, although the UC clearly teaches it was rather John who failed.
"He must increase"
Much of the controversy centers around the meaning of John's words: "He must increase, but I must decrease." Many theologians have interpreted this statement as an expression of John's humility, indicating his willingness to be brought down to a lowly position of having no followers. The crucifixion
According to the UC view, it was John's disbelief in Jesus which led to the crucifixion of Jesus. The UC interprets the following passage as indicating that the people should believed that Jesus was the Messiah:
It was because of John's failure to support him that Jesus had to go to the cross.
The Mandaeans believe that they follow the true teachings of John and that Jesus was a false prophet.