(1) What was ceremonial washing?
3:25 Now a dispute came about between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew concerning ceremonial washing.
(PNTC) Possibly the clash arose over the relation between John’s baptism and more traditional Jewish practices, or the practices of other prominent Jewish religious figures. In addition to the rites of purification that had evolved more or less in dependence on the Old Testament, there were various groups who bathed daily in cold water, with a view to purity... Certainly John’s baptism was open to misunderstanding by Jewish observers
(PNTC) Possibly the clash arose over the relation between John’s baptism and more traditional Jewish practices, or the practices of other prominent Jewish religious figures. In addition to the rites of purification that had evolved more or less in dependence on the Old Testament, there were various groups who bathed daily in cold water, with a view to purity... Certainly John’s baptism was open to misunderstanding by Jewish observers
(BKC) Since there were Essene lustrations and Pharisaic washings, why should Jews follow another washing, John’s baptism? Besides, the group following Jesus was larger (v. 26).
From the debate between some Jews and John's disciples, John's disciples thought about the value of their baptism. They were less popular than Jesus. "Everyone is flocking to him!: v.26.
(2) The comparison of Jesus and John
(NET) In 3:27–30 he reassured his disciples, reminding them that if more people were coming to Jesus, it did not threaten him at all, because “heaven” had ordained it to be so (v. 27)....Then John compared himself to the friend of the bridegroom who stands by and yet participates in the bridegroom’s joy (v. 29).
4:1 Now when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was winning and baptizing more disciples than John 4:2 (although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were),4:3 he left Judea and set out once more for Galilee.
Both John and Jesus were not interested in fame. Jesus retreated back from the large and popular Judea to the small and infamous Galilee.
Both John and Jesus were not interested in fame. Jesus retreated back from the large and popular Judea to the small and infamous Galilee.
(2) John's description of Jesus
From heaven v.27, the bridegroom v.28, the One Who is more more important than John v.30, Who came from above v.31, superior to all v.31, the One whom God has sent v.33, the Son whom the Father has placed all things under His authority v.35.
(3) Difficult passage
3:33 The one who has accepted his testimony has confirmed clearly that God is truthful.3:34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he does not give the Spirit sparingly.
(PNTC) By accepting Jesus’ testimony as to what he has seen and heard, the believer has certified that God is truthful—not just that Jesus is truthful, but that God is truthful. For (an important logical connective) the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God. Jesus so completely says and does all that God says and does, and only what God says and does (e.g. 5:19–30; 6:37–40; 8:29), that to believe Jesus is to believe God...Throughout redemptive history, God spoke to his people through many accredited messengers. Each received that measure of the Spirit that was required for his or her assigned task.
Reflection: John's did not care about if Jesus was more popular than he was. He knew who he was and Who Jesus was. If Jesus succeeded then John would be happy. Do you rather have God's name be known or yours?
Jesus was from God and therefore He was superior over all. He reflected God 100%. He spoke the words of God. Do we submit ourselves to Jesus? Do we listen to His words?
Audrey
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