John 3:22-24 (WEL) After these things, Jesus and his disciples came into the land of Judea, and he spent some time with them there and baptized. 23 John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim because lots of water was there. They kept coming and being baptized. 24 (John had not yet been thrown into prison.)
V22 After these things, Jesus and his disciples came into the land of Judea, and he spent some time with them there and baptized.
These things primarily refer to the time after talking with Nicodemus. Jesus traveled from Jerusalem where He spoke with Nicodemus to outside the city in a rural setting.
Jesus did baptize a few. They were baptized with the same repentance and rededication to God and His ways as John the Baptist did.
Those men who had followed Him were being taught by Jesus by teaching and example. This is a principle for us: teach others and live by what was taught as an example.
John 4:1-2 shows us that Jesus had delegated baptizing to His disciples. Jesus is truly the greatest teacher and leader, a delegator.
Matthew Henry comments:
“Our Lord Jesus, after he entered upon his public work, travelled much, and removed often, as the patriarchs in their sojournings. As it was a good part of his humiliation that he had no certain dwelling-place, but was, as Paul, in journeyings often, so it was an instance of his unwearied industry, in the work for which he came into the world, that he went about in prosecution of it; many a weary step he took to do good to souls. The Sun of righteousness took a large circuit to diffuse his light and heat, Psalm 19:6.”
V23 John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim because lots of water was there. They kept coming and being baptized.
The leaders were not interested. That fact more or less led to the downfall of Israel—the rejection of their Messiah.
V24 (John had not yet been thrown into prison.)
A personal note indicating that Jesus’s ministry here was before John went to prison.
We learn:
- A principle of delegating.
- About Jesus’s ministry.
Questions:
- Are you a leader who delegates or does most, if not all, by himself?
- Do you recognize Jesus as the Messiah?