John 3: 23-26
“Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.’”
To be baptized is a form “ceremonial washing.” To argue over the matter probably means that they were discussing who should be doing it. The Bible does not tell us, but it is not a stretch to imagine that the Jew in the story was claiming that only “authorized” Jews should be performing any kind of ceremonial washing or baptism.
After doing their best to defend John the Baptist before this Jew, John’s disciples then question John about the same thing. It is almost as if they could see John’s influence eroding before their eyes. Jews claiming his baptism isn’t valid (I am taking liberties with the story here – please forgive me!) and Jesus drawing bigger crowds than John. What was going on?
Q: If you were John’s disciple, why would you be following John and what would you expect to gain from your time with him?
Bonus Question: How does this compare with the reasons Jesus’ disciples followed Him?
I guess I would follow John for the reason I go to church today…being encouraged by the fellowship of believers. This world has little to offer in the light of eternal life on Christ. It’s a great feeling to hang around with others who live for that now.
Robster
Great perspective! Thank you!
I would have followed John because he proclaimed a faith in Yahweh that was true and honest. He proclaimed repentance from sin rather than focusing on extra rules to add/guard the Law. I am thoroughly convinced that humanity cannot be righteous by its own efforts – we need to be saved by a power beyond our own. No social construct, law, religious rites, or raw gumption can remove our evil – we need forgiveness & a miracle. Although John wasn’t the source for this, he pointed to it – repentance from sin and proclaiming the coming Messiah.
Nathan C
Welcome aboard! Thank you for sharing your thoughts this morning! You are right: John the Baptist did provide a refreshingly clear and direct message about God. It must have been confusing though for his disciples when Jesus came along and people started turning to him.
I find it interesting that John’s disciples are much like us. What they need is Jesus. What John told them they needed was Jesus as he himself said in verse 28. He pointed to Jesus. Yet, they felt there was something else or something more that would give them purpose and meaning. Sometimes people feel a pastor can give them something intrinsic while all they can really do is do what John did – point them to Jesus. Jesus is sufficient and nothing is sufficient without Him. He is all. He must increase (Verse 30).
Rich,
What a great point! “For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) We tend to want to hang tight to what we see, when what we need is to have faith in what we do not see by human sight – our Lord Jesus!
Acts 19:4, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
John and his disciples were teaching people to turn from idolatry which often involved sexual immorality, and to Judaism. His baptism was a sign of turning and being cleansed. This was in preparation of Christ’s coming.
I would think John’s disciples achieved a degree of satisfaction as acted in obedience to God helped others repent of their sins, and turn toward obedience to the law. ( John was filled with the Holy Spirit while in his mothers womb, and experienced the great pleasure which comes from a relationship with God found only in obedience to His will )
The disciples of Jesus had a similar good feeling, however the bible shows they were just like us and required time to grow in understanding, comprehend who Jesus is.
(Jesus speaking with the woman at the well, wanting to send 5,000 home, Jesus fed them, getting beat up by the demon possessed, Mary anointing Jesus, cutting off the ear, denying Christ)
They only began to speak with power when the Holy Spirit came into them. Like these men, our job is to grow in faith through prayerful study, get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit of God do His work. Then we join the many good stewards of this gift of God of the past and present.
Ron,
Thanks for your words. You bring into focus the fact that we all travel the same path as John’s disciples. We are all challenged every day as to what we are going to believe and act on.