John 3:25-28 (WEL) Then a question came up between John’s disciples and the Jews concerning purifying. 26 So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you beyond the Jordan, the one whom you testified about, look, he is baptizing and everybody’s coming to him.” 27 John answered and said, “No one can receive anything unless it is given to him from heaven. 28 “You yourselves bear me witness that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but that I am sent ahead of him.’
V25 Then a question came up between John’s disciples and the Jews concerning purifying.
Purifying is a very important concept in Mosaic law. What is pure is something acceptable to God and allowed in His presence. Impure is the opposite and rejected by God.
(Easton’s Bible Dictionary—Purification) “But in the details of daily life there were special causes of ceremonial uncleanness which were severally provided for by ceremonial laws enacted for each separate case. For example, the case of the leper (Leviticus 13-14), and of the house defiled by leprosy (Leviticus 14:49-53; see also Matthew 8:2-4). Uncleanness from touching a dead body (Numbers 19:11; Hosea 9:4; Haggai 2:13; Matthew 23:27; Luke 11:44). The case of the high priest and of the Nazarite (Leviticus 21:1-4, 10, 11; Numbers 6:6, 7; Ezekiel 44:25). Purification was effected by bathing and washing the clothes (Lev. 14:8, 9); by washing the hands (Deuteronomy 21:6; Matthew 27:24); washing the hands and feet (Exodus 30:18-21; Hebrews 6:2, “baptisms”, R.V. marg., “washings;” Hebrews 9:10); sprinkling with blood and water (Exodus 24:5-8; Hebrews 9:19), etc. Allusions to this rite are found in Psalm 26:6; 51:7; Ezekiel 36:25; Hebrews 10:22.”
(Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary) “…that is, baptizing, the symbolical meaning of washing with water being put (as in John 2:6) for the act itself. As John and Jesus were the only teachers who baptized Jews, discussions might easily arise between the Baptist’s disciples and such Jews as declined to submit to that rite.”
V26 So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you beyond the Jordan, the one whom you testified about, look, he is baptizing and everybody’s coming to him.”
They were concerned that since John is the Baptizer, why is there someone else baptizing? Who authorized him?
V27 John answered and said, “No one can receive anything unless it is given to him from heaven.
John the Baptist answers, “Jesus is superior to me because He is the Messiah.”
Jesus has the greater honor, power, and authority. This concept concerning Messiah is because John, as a prophet, had been informed by revelation that Jesus is the Messiah (John 1:29-34).
No one can serve God unless God calls and commissions. Since Jesus is called and commissioned, this is what is expected.
V28 “You yourselves bear me witness that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but that I am sent ahead of him.’
“Even you all know that I testified that I am not Messiah but the forerunner.” See Malachi 3:1.
We learn:
- The superiority of Jesus Christ.
- John the Baptist’s honest testimony.
Questions:
- In what ways is Jesus superior to you?
- Are you honest in your replies to questions?