What does John 1:28 mean?

The scene described in this passage (John 1:19–27) occurred in a place called "Bethany." However, this is not the same Bethany as the home of Lazarus (John 11:1). Some texts translate the name as Bethabara. Either way, the gospel's author, the disciple John, specifies that this location was "across the Jordan" to keep the two locations separate. It was probably a small area, not even a village, on or right next to the Jordan River, several miles east of Jerusalem. Ancient historians placed it near the site of Jericho, on the east bank. This was far enough away from Jerusalem to be considered "the wilderness," in accordance with Isaiah 40:3.

The Jordan River has always been an important waterway. This is the body of water Israel crossed to reach the Promised Land (Joshua 3), as well as the place where the pagan general Naaman was healed (2 Kings 5:14). However, the Jordan is not as wide, or deep, or impressive as other rivers. Naaman made a point of sneering at the Jordan prior to receiving his personal miracle (2 Kings 5:10–12).