John 3:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’

NIV: You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.'

NASB: You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’

CSB: You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I've been sent ahead of him.'

NLT: You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’

KJV: Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

NKJV: You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’

In verse 26, John the Baptist is told that Jesus is attracting a greater number of followers. In verse 27, he responds by saying that God is ultimately in control. Here, in verse 28, he reminds everyone that this shouldn't be a problem. The Baptist made it very clear that he was not the Promised One (John 1:20). He was simply preaching in order to prepare a path for the Messiah (John 1:23). In fact, the Baptist went out of his way to say that the One who is coming would be far better, and far more worthy, than he was (John 1:27).

Later, John the Baptist points out Jesus (John 1:29). He specifically says that this man is the One who is coming. The Baptist even tells some of his students to leave, and follow Jesus (John 1:36–37). There is no reason for anyone to think that Jesus' success will make the Baptist jealous. If anything, it's proof that what the Baptist preached was true, and that his mission was a success! John compares himself to a best man at a wedding, happy for the groom, in verse 29.

John 3:22–30 describes an argument between followers of John the Baptist and a Jewish religious leader, over purification. Though the passage does not name him, it’s possible this man was Nicodemus, who had just been discussing that topic with Jesus. The Baptist isn’t upset that his followers are dwindling, while Jesus attracts crowds. Instead, he makes it clear that Christ’s glory was his mission, and seeing it succeed makes him happy. Rather than being selfish about our own applause, we should be happy when our efforts cause people to praise God.

John chapter 3 is one of the most important in the entire gospel. Many crucial ideas are explained in this passage, including the role of Jesus as Savior. After the loud, public commotion at the temple, John transitions to a quiet, nighttime discussion. These verses make it clear that Christ—and Christ alone—is the means of salvation for the entire world. This text also states that those who reject Jesus are rejecting God.

The gospel of John is meant to prove that Jesus is God. Chapter 3 contains some of the most direct, most important concepts in Christianity. The ideas of spiritual rebirth, and the need to believe in Christ, are reinforced by the rest of the information in this gospel. John continues to use contrast, moving from the loud and public temple cleansing to the quiet of this conversation. After Jesus injects humility into a powerful leader, chapter 4 will transition again, as Jesus gives dignity to an outcast stranger.

The gospel of John was written by the disciple John, decades later than the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The author assumes that a reader is already familiar with the content of these other works. So, John presents a different perspective, with a greater emphasis on meaning. John uses seven miracles—which he calls “signs”—in order to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate. Some of the most well-known verses in all of the Bible are found here. None is more famous than the one-sentence summary of the gospel found in John 3:16.

Accessed 5/2/2024 10:44:34 AM