LOC – 020 – John the Baptist Preaches, Baptizes and is Imprisoned

Lesson Objectives:

Jesus talks about what really is important in life – Jesus and His ministry.

Jesus shows us how to deal with rivalry over religious viewpoints.

Jealousy does not fit the Christian lifestyle.

We find the last record of John the Baptist’s preaching.

Sometimes, there is a risk or penalty for standing up for Jesus and what is right.

You cannot get rid of a guilty conscience by silencing your accuser.

Lesson Commentary

Read John 3:22-36; Luke 3:19-20

Jesus had just cleansed the Temple and had a late night visit with Nicodemus in Jerusalem. Next He gravitated to the Judean vicinity around Jerusalem as He began to make His way to Galilee, where He will spend the most of His time during His ministry. John had been baptizing at the Jordan River for about six months prior to Jesus cleansing the Temple. For a short time the ministry of John the Baptist overlaps Jesus’ ministry. Thus the Judean countryside was alive with the teaching of both these great preachers about repentance from sin and the coming of God’s kingdom. Then John the Baptist upsets Herod and Herodias and is relieved of his work. John and Jesus have disciples; large crowds are following both of them, and both are baptizing their followers as a sign of repentance. Jesus has just started His ministry. John the Baptist has been preaching for less than a year and already, his ministry is coming to a close. This is the last record that we will have of John the Baptist’s preaching. The next time we hear about him, it will be concerning the matters leading to his death. Meanwhile, lets look in on Jesus and see what is happening, as we are “Walking With Jesus”.

Jordan River north of the Sea of Galilee near the headwaters Photograph courtesy of Glen & Sylvia Copple

Jesus and John are Baptizing

Jn. 3:22 – Shortly after the events in Jerusalem, we find Jesus going over to the Jordan River where He will minister for a short while. While Jesus can speak to more people in Jerusalem, He is able to accomplish far less because of the opposition from the Pharisees and Jewish leaders. Jesus will spend about six months in this area before going on to Galilee. From now on, He will travel frequently from place to place. He will never own a home, or a horse or donkey. The nature of His ministry and the “threat” of the Jews will keep Him constantly moving about.

Jesus and His disciples also practice the rite of baptism unto repentance like John. The Apostle John mentions in John 4:2 that Jesus does not actually do the baptizing, but His disciples do. This is not the Christian sacrament of immersion unto salvation to symbolize the forgiveness of sin, but is an immersion in water as an outward sign of repentance, like John’s baptism. It is in preparation for what is to come when Jesus will institute the New Covenant by His death on the Cross. Matthew 4:17 mentions that Jesus, like John, is preaching repentance. Later, Christian immersion in water (baptism) will be the sign that one has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, sins are washed away and they are “born again”. Have you been baptized into Christ? If not, why not do it now?

Jn. 3:23 – There are four possible locations that could be the “Aenon near Salim” that is mentioned. No one knows which one is the actual location on the Jordan River. Even though Jesus is now on the scene, John the Baptist still has work to do. Jesus is not “taking over” his work, but has come along side of it with His mission. Meanwhile, John the Baptist carries on preparing people for the Christ. It is interesting to note that some of God’s prophets had a long ministry and some were short. John’s ministry will be less than a year in length before he is imprisoned and killed.

Map showing Aenon, where John the Baptist preached and baptized and Machaerus where he was imprisoned and killed. Map curtesy of Logos Bible Atlas software.

Jn. 3:24 – The Apostle John references a time location to this event that presupposes the readers have some knowledge of one or more of the other Gospels or from other Church teachings. The Gospel of John is the last Gospel to be written. Most Christians will have, at least, heard of, if not read, one of the other Gospels. There are also numerous other writings about Jesus that are not considered as “Scripture”, but tell about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Jn. 3:25 – John’s disciples get into a discussion with a Jewish individual that evolves into an argument about purifying and the purpose of baptism (immersion). Even though his disciples have a legitimate concern, in their immaturity and zeal they get caught up in defending John’s baptism and ministry as superior to any other. Have you ever gotten defensive over what you believe? They seem to be at a disadvantage in the situation. Therefore, they turn to John for further explanation. They want him to defend them and bail them out of their situation. The actual details of the argument are irrelevant to John the Apostle. Instead, He focuses on the real heart of the matter. He refocuses their concerns on Jesus because that is what is really important.

Ceremonial washing and or the initiation rite of baptism isn’t new to them. Several groups within the Jews practiced a ceremonial washing or baptism of some kind. Some suppose that there is a rivalry between Jesus’ disciples and John the Baptist’s. This is not unlike Christians today getting so caught up in the teaching of their minister or denomination as to actually shut out or judge anyone else that is different from them as inferior or even a heretic. We should seek the same attitude that John has. Our ministry is not superior to anyone else’s. We are all brothers struggling to serve the same Lord. We are not to be fighting one another, but fighting the devil!

Jn. 3:26 – The response to John’s disciples is in the nature of jealousy. They see that more people are following Jesus and fewer are following John. This breeds an unhealthy feeling towards Jesus and His followers. John the Baptist’s ministry was first. It isn’t fair that Jesus should come in and “steal” away John the Baptist’s followers. Have you ever felt jealousy over another ministry that was doing something that you wanted to be doing? Like many persons in denominations today, the followers of John the Baptist and the Jews became egotistical and divisive instead of loving and supportive. Each sought to prove his view as superior to the other. Instead of focusing on what they have in common, they sought to argue over their differences, like students defending THEIR high school or college. How do you feel about those in other denominations? Whoever is not for Jesus is against Jesus. It has nothing to do with whether we do it the “right” way or not. God doesn’t judge actions. He judges hearts.

Jn. 3:27 – John the Baptist’s greatness is displayed in his reply. He replies in humility, which is a greater sign of character than would be a reply of power and strength. He has no “ego” to build or “axe to grind” or “turf” to defend. He continues his testimony as to who Jesus is. John the Baptist knows that his ministry is a gift from God. There is no retrogression from him as Jesus steps into greater prominence. He never ceases or changes from the urgency of what God has called him to do. He is only stopped by being put into prison and killed. (This will be covered in a future lesson.) Our abilities come from God and should be used for Him. We have no room to be at issue with our Christian brothers over matters that won’t amount to anything in eternity. The more others “honor” us, the more we need to humble ourselves.

Jn. 3:28 – John the Baptist stands by his earlier testimony and reminds his disciples that they are forgetting his teaching. He is not the Messiah (Christ), but he is called to prepare the way for the Christ. It will only be logical that the Christ will absorb John’s followers and soon bring to a close the need for John’s ministry. However, John the Baptist has no idea how God will conclude his ministry, or what is in store for him, but he trusts God and is committed to being obedient to Him. What is your attitude towards your ministry and the ministries of others in your church or in other churches?

Jn. 3:29 – The bride is the Church. The bridegroom is Christ. John the Baptist is like the “friend” of the bridegroom who assists in the preparation for the wedding. He rejoices to see the groom come because that means that the wedding feast is near. The bridegroom is naturally more prominent than the assistant. Jesus will take over prominence in the “party.” John’s purpose is to point people to Jesus. Naturally, Jesus should gather a larger following. Do you ever struggle with jealousy over other Christians who are getting more recognition for their work than you are? Should you be checking your priorities?

Jn. 3:30 – The last recorded words of John the Baptist summarize the entire focus of his ministry and his whole life. He knows that his work is only temporary to introduce people to Jesus. It is a part of the plan for people to leave him in favor of Jesus. Have you ever had to struggle with surrendering a position you liked and step into the background for Christ?

Jn. 3:31 – These verses, 31-36, closely parallel verses 13-21. The Apostle John is concluding two events that appeared close to each other with a similar meditation. The quotation marks are a New International Version translation of the Bible add on. The original Greek text does not have quotation marks. It is an interpreter’s guess as to whether John the Baptist is speaking in verses 31-36 or not. Either the Apostle John is speaking in the third person or someone else is making these comments. This is not uncommon of John the Apostle since he never mentions himself by name.

There is a difference between Jesus and John the Baptist that shows that Jesus is much closer to the Father than John. A teacher cannot speak beyond what he knows. John only knows of the physical. Jesus knows of the heavenly (spiritual) as well. Likewise, Jesus is speaking with more powerful words than John the Baptist uses. Since Jesus has a divine contact, His message is going to be greater than that spoken by John the Baptist.

Jn. 3:32 – Compare to verse 11. John the Baptist and Jesus can only testify of what they have seen and heard. John, both the Apostle and the Baptist, have only seen earthly things. Jesus has seen and testifies of heavenly things. The only problem is that there are many people who have a hard time listening to their testimony. When is the last time you had difficulty hearing what the other person was actually trying to say? Do you sometimes have trouble hearing what God is saying through His Holy Word?

Jn. 3:33 – Any one who receives Jesus’ message agrees with His certification that God is truthful. To reject the testimony about Jesus is to call God a liar. God is truthful. To reject Him is to reject His truth. I would rather be on God’s side than against Him. Wouldn’t you also?

Jn. 3:34 – Jesus has the power and presence of the Holy Spirit without limit. For that reason, Jesus’ words are the words of God! Old Testament prophets only had the Holy Spirit for a short time and/or a specific purpose.

Jn. 3:35 – If you want to see God, all you have to do is look at Jesus. The relationship between the two is one of loving intimacy between a Father and Son. The Son has the authority to accomplish the Father’s purpose. Naturally, the best way for anyone to develop an intimate relationship with God is to go through His Son.

Jn. 3:36 – Compare this verse to verse 18. We have only two options: accept Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, or reject and deny who Jesus is. Those in Jesus already have eternal life. Those who are not in Jesus do not have life but are already condemned. God’s wrath will remain on any who refuse to believe in Jesus as God’s Son and our Savior. The good news is, as long as a person is alive, he has the opportunity to turn his life around for the Lord.

John’s Arrest and Imprisonment

Lk. 3:19 – “I’m Herod and I’ve got a problem.” John the Baptist’s frankness for moral integrity taps the conscience of Herod who decides to put him in jail to silence him. The event that causes Herod to imprison John the Baptist is that he accused Herod of living in an incestuous relationship. Herod had married his brother’s wife, who had divorced her husband to marry him (this will be covered in a future lesson). He is under conviction regarding this and other evil acts. He does not like the truth coming out, so he shuts the voice of truth in prison in hopes that it will stop the guilt that is plaguing his conscience. He doesn’t kill him because the people consider him to be a prophet, and killing him will cause considerable trouble that jailing him won’t cause. Some scholars consider that John will be in prison for up to two years before he is killed. How often have you sought to silence your conscience by stopping someone who is reminding you of your sin?

Lk. 3:20 – John the Baptist’s ministry is effectively closed removing any conflict between his followers and the followers of Jesus. Herod doesn’t have any honest grounds for putting John in jail, except that he doesn’t like John accusing him of wrong doing. Here is a case of persecution for one’s religious beliefs. In what ways are you being persecuted because you are a Christian? Who else do you know or think of that is undergoing persecution for their beliefs?

Looking east across the Jordan River valley. Did John the Baptist baptize in this area?
Photograph courtesy of Glen & Sylvia Copple

Next week, Jesus talks to a woman with a past. How does He minister to the greatest need in her heart? We are just getting started and it does get more interesting as we go along. Join us and see how Jesus models dealing with others who have a past that is less than exemplary. Maybe some of you will identify with this woman.

Read Matthew 4:12; Mark 1:14a; Luke 4:14a; John 4:1-26

“Walking With Jesus”

Lesson Commentary

LOC – 020 JOHN ENDORSES JESUS
How To Be Humble

Ecclesiastes 3:1-9 – a time for everything! All things have a beginning and an end. Every business on this earth has a beginning and an end. Every ministry is only for a season. We can look back over history at the works of John Wesley, Martin Luther, and many other significant spiritual leaders and see the beginning and end of their personal ministries.

We are in John 3:25-36.Like your life and work and mine, John the Baptist’s ministry will soon be coming to an end. His legacy will live on. We may be remembered for a time for what we have done, but our work will not be forever.

Do What God Has Called You To Do! – John 3:22-24

John has been baptizing at the Jordan River for about the past six months. For a short time, both of these men are preaching to the Jews to repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. They are at different locations somewhere along the Jordan River.

Jesus could speak to more people in Jerusalem, but has a more receptive audience here where people are coming to hear Him. At this time, Jesus’ preaching and baptizing is essentially the same as John’s. That will soon change as John is beheaded and Jesus recruits the foundations for His eternal Kingdom, the Church.

Jesus will spend about six months here before going on to Galilee. Jesus will spend the remainder of His life traveling from place to place. He will never own a home, horse or donkey. He will not have a closet full of clothes, refrigerator overflowing with leftovers or a television on which to watch the evening news. No air conditioning, no radio, no electricity, but still, Jesus influences a following that will change the world.

Wherever the gospel is proclaimed, the people are challenged to make a decision! We should be encouraged to engage others to make a decision for Christ!

Life Is Not Just About You! – John 3:25-27

Some of John’s disciples get into a discussion with another Jew over ceremonial washing. This is particularly a reference to immersion and the fact that Jesus is immersing followers in His camp.

John’s followers feel that Jesus’ ministry is in competition to John’s and engage John about this “threat”. Somewhat like one high school having a rivalry with another nearby or a restaurant fearing another restaurant opening across the street. Have you ever observed or participated in putting down another ministry because you felt they were a “threat” to your ministry?

They expect John to muster their being “right” and find some reason to find fault with Jesus. Of such things, wars are started.This is not unlike some Christians getting caught up in the teaching of their minister or denomination and putting down any other Christian who does not agree with all that they are advocating.

Do Your Job With All Your Heart! – John 3:28-36

The last recorded words of John the Baptist summarize the entire focus of his ministry and his whole life. John can only do what God has called him to do. This is not an appropriate situation for jealousy. Jesus is not the enemy, but the hero! (Satan is the enemy!)

John makes it clear that Jesus is superior to him. John’s ministry is to decrease and Jesus’ ministry is to increase. Have you ever had to step down to a lesser paying job or help promote someone newer than you to a position that you desired?

John expands. Jesus is from above and John is from this earth. I would rather be on God’s side than against Him. John also laments that no one seems to listen to him. They just don’t understand what he has been trying to tell them.

John concludes his thoughts with this testimony – “Whoever believes in the Son (Jesus) will have eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life.”

Stand For What Is Right Before God! – Luke 3:19-20

Luke 3:19 advises us that John rebukes Herod’s sexual immorality and gets arrested and thrown into prison. This concludes John’s public ministry in preparing the world for Jesus.

CONCLUSION

Our enemy is not other Christians, but the devil! Lets work together to tell the world about Jesus instead of competing and bickering with one another over personal interpretations.

What is your decision going to be regarding Jesus? Are you going to accept Him or reject Him?

The only question at Heaven’s door will be “Who is Jesus?” Your answer to that question will determine where you spend eternity!

Next Week: Jesus meets a woman with a past. How will He help her change her life?