John 2:13–25 Jesus cleanses the Temple

¹³ Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. ¹⁵ When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. ¹⁶ And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” ¹⁷ Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” ¹⁸ So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” ¹⁹ Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” ²⁰ Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” ²¹ But He was speaking of the temple of His body. ²² Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. ²³ Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. ²⁴ But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, ²⁵ and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

Commentary
Vs. 13 “Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.”

From Capernaum then Jesus (along with His disciples) now goes to Jerusalem, for the Passover of the Jews was at hand. Now the Passover was to recall and celebrate the Jews miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage when God delivered them all from Egyptian slavery, before He brought retribution down on the Egyptians, before leading all His people out. Now the key in all of this was the Sacrificial blood of a Lamb that was to be shed at twilight, whose blood than provided an atonement for Israel so that God would pass them over when He executed His wrath on the Egyptians. Thus, the Passover became a foretelling of how God would deliver us all who believe in Him from sin and Satan’s bondage through the Shed Blood of His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God’s Sacrificial Lamb for the sin of the world! Whose Blood not only atones for all our sins, but also allows God to Passover us in His judgment when He judges the unrepentant and unbelieving world. And so, Jesus being a devout Jew went down to Jerusalem to keep the Passover as God commanded and required of His people, until He Himself would become the fulfillment of it.

Vs. 14 “And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business.”

Now when Jesus entered the temple, He saw the most horrible of sights, for what was to be a house of prayer for all nations, where all people could come and seek the mercies of the Lord (see 1 Kings 8:22-53; Isaiah 56:6-8, vs. 7), instead had become a place where business people and opportunists alike of every sort had set up “shop”, selling those things that were required for the ritual sacrifices on its most sacred grounds! Indeed, there were even money changers there who were exchanging foreign currencies for Temple approved coins and currencies! Now this they did with the cooperation, approval, and oversight of the high priest and those Jewish elders and leaders there who had the charge of the oversight of the Temple. Now there were markets in Jerusalem itself which could have legitimately provided all those things and services that were necessary, but when they decided to turn the house of God into a market place, they corrupted it, and undermined its very purpose which is not to be place where one makes profit for oneself (or anyone else), but where one comes to seek the Lord! Mixing the faith of the Lord with consumerism then is never justifiable, for spiritual Babylon and its “king” are always found there (see Rev. 18, also Matt. 6:24).

Vs. 15-16 ¹⁵ When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. ¹⁶ And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”

The Lord Jesus Christ then upon seeing what the Temple had become, has but one response, and that is to make a whip of cords and drive them all out of His Fathers along with the livestock that they were selling. Then He went and poured out the money changers defiled money and overturned their tables. Having done so He then said to those who sold doves (which was the offering of the poor who could not offered the others), “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Do you then see and hear dear and beloved brethren what our Lord and Savior is saying? Because our faith in Him and assemblies born out of Him are to bear witnesses to Grace and Majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ and not be places where one’s own faith in God is peddled and sold to those who are coming to seek the Lord! Because when we allow such things to take place and flourish, soon everyone is given over to covetousness, and everyone is given over to greed (see Jer. 6:13).

Vs. 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

Now when Jesus had done this, the disciples remembered the Scripture that states, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” (see Psalm 69:9), thus Jesus by doing so fulfilled the Word of the Lord and again manifested Himself to them.

Vs. 18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?”

It seems that the Jews there also understood what Jesus was doing was in accord with the Scripture, and so they now ask Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” In other words, they wanted Jesus to prove to them that He was the Messiah by now showing them a sign.

Vs. 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Jesus then will show them a sign, and not only them, but the whole world, and so He says to them all, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

Vs. 20-21 ²⁰ Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” ²¹ But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

The Jews though are confused by Jesus’ response, (for they do not discern that He was speaking of His own body, which they would go on to crucify to death) and so they say to Him, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” Thus, in foretelling that they would kill Him, Jesus also confidently assured them that He would rise from the dead the third day, and this would be His sign to them, and to all, that He is the Messiah come from God!

Vs. 22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

Though the Jews did not understand His Word, His disciples kept His Word in their hearts, and so when Jesus had risen from the dead, they remembered that He had said this to them, and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said. And that is how one patiently abides in God’s Word, by looking for and waiting on its fulfillment!

Vs. 23-25 ²³ Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. ²⁴ But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, ²⁵ and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

Now during this Passover week at Jerusalem many there believed in His Name when they saw the signs which He did (vs. 23). Now believed here showed not be understood as come to receive Him for themselves as the Son of God, rather they “believed” in Jesus’ Name because they saw Him do signs amongst them, like when He turned the water to wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. Thus, their belief in Him was not in Him as their Lord and Savior, as when one believes in Him because they believe He alone can save them, but only in His doing some signs amongst them. Therefore, Jesus did not commit Himself to them, (that is entrust Himself to them) because He knew that their belief in Him was only superficial, for they were only moved by His signs, not by His Word! And so, if He should cease to make signs amongst them, so would their faith cease! For the Lord Jesus Christ knew what was in man, and He did not need that anyone should testify of Him (vs. 24-25). If He did then He could’ve very simply shown everyone everywhere signs and wonders and miraculous healings as they requested them, but then He would have only had the testimony of man, that is mans fickle faith which neither believes nor acknowledges that He is the Son of Man/Son of God come to bear all our sins and transgressions on the Cross. For it would be these same people who would just three years later demand Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion and then mock Him when He was dying on their Cross!

Scripture Quotations 
New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson.

John 2:1–12

¹ On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. ² Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. ³ And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” ⁴ Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” ⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” ⁶ Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. ⁷ Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. ⁸ And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. ⁹ When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. ¹⁰ And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” ¹¹ This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. ¹² After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days.

Commentary
Vs. 1 “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.”

The Lord Jesus having arrived in Galilee with His now four disciples and so they were staying in the region of Cana of Galilee, and Jesus’ mother was also there. This then was either the third day since Jesus had called His last two disciples, Philip and Nathanael to Himself, or the third day since His arrival with them in the region of Cana of Galilee.

Vs. 2-5 ² Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. ³ And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” ⁴ Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” ⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

Apparently, Jesus (or His mother) were known to the host of the wedding feast, for Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding (vs. 2). Now during the celebratory feast (which often lasted seven days) they ran out of wine, and so the mother of Jesus being concerned about this said to Him, “They have no wine.” (vs. 3) Indicating that she must have already seen Jesus do miraculous things in their own home, for why would she now mention this to Him, unless she believed He could resolve it. And so, when she said this to Jesus, He said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” (Vs. 4) Now Jesus’ initial response to her though not appearing in the English translation as such, was gentle, but more importantly it indicates that His focus was not on the “temporal”, on resolving every little problem or concern that arises amongst men, which they soon forget about after its resolved, no Jesus in responding to her like that was looking way past that to His destiny with the Cross. And so, His saying as much to her was His reminding her of His true purpose and calling from God for us all, that our greatest need/s will be resolved there. Now when Jesus’ mother heard Him speak like that she said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (Vs. 5) Which clearly indicates she believed Jesus was about to do something to resolve her concern.  
Vs. 6-8 ⁶ Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. ⁷ Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. ⁸ And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it.

These six waterpots of stone, which held twenty or thirty gallons a piece then where set outside where they would be used for the purification purposes of the Jews; like with their handwashing rituals etc. (see Matt. 15:1-2). And so, when Jesus saw that they were empty and used He said to the servants there, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. (vs. 6-7) Having done so Jesus now tells, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. (vs. 8)

Vs. 9-10 ⁹ When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. ¹⁰ And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

Now when the master of the feast tasted the water that the servants drew from the waterpots, which Jesus had changed to wine, immediately he realized that this wine was of a greatly superior quality than what he had been serving the guests. And so, he called the bridegroom and said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” ^{vs. 10}

Vs. 11-12 ¹¹ This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. ¹² After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days.

Here we see the reason that Jesus turned the water to wine, so He could manifest His glory, and strengthen the faith of His disciples in Himself (vs. 12). For having been declared as the Messiah, He will now show through signs and wonders and miraculous healings that He Himself is the Messiah. And so Jesus along with His mother, His brothers and His disciples leave Cana and go down to Capernaum, where He would begin His grand public ministry, that said Jesus did not stay many days there, rather He would use it as a base from which He would go out and preach and minister the Gospel into all of Galilee, and all the surrounding region, and in this His next step will be to go to the Temple in Jerusalem, for the Passover of the Jews was at hand.

Scripture Quotations 

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson.

John 1:43–51

⁴³ The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” ⁴⁴ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. ⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” ⁴⁶ And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” ⁴⁷ Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” ⁴⁸ Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” ⁴⁹ Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” ⁵⁰ Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” ⁵¹ And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Commentary
Vs. 43-44 ⁴³ The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” ⁴⁴ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

When Jesus called Andrew and then remained Simon Peter (Cephas) when He met him was when He was down in Judea where John the Baptist was baptizing. And so, as Jesus is wanting to go north into Galilee, He finds His third disciple, a man named Philip to whom He simply said, “Follow Me.” It seems clear then that Jesus knew this man’s heart, and knew that He was ready and willing and wanting to follow Him. And so, inviting him to follow Him was merely asking Philip what he was already longing to do. Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter, which was located in Bethsaida of Galilee (John 12:21), and so these men had traveled some distance from Galilee to Judea to seek out the Messiah, and having found Him there is no hesitation in their wanting to follow Him.

Vs. 45-46 ⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” ⁴⁶ And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Now Philip being convinced that he and Andrew and Simon Peter had found the One whom they were looking for, now goes and finds a fellow seeker named Philip, and when he does he excitingly says to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” However, Nathaniel is initially much more reserved about their discovery of Jesus and so he initially says to Philip, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” For Nazareth had a poor reputation and thus was not a revered location for the Messiah to arise from (even though the Scripture foretells He would be a Nazarene). And so, for many Jews Jerusalem, the city of David, where the Temple was, was the preferred location for the arrival of the Messiah. Yet the Scripture does not say that He would come out of Jerusalem, rather He would come to it and the Temple and Levitical priesthood there, as its rightful King and High Priest. Now when Nathaniel was initially skeptical about Philip having found the Messiah (or Christ) Philip was not deterred but rather still excited invites Nathanael (as Jesus invited Andrew and Peter) to “Come and see.” That is to come and see for yourselves that Jesus of Nazareth is the Promised Messiah (Christ).

Vs. 47-49 ⁴⁷ Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” ⁴⁸ Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” ⁴⁹ Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 

Nathanael then takes up Philips invitation to Come and see Jesus for himself and when Jesus sees Nathanael coming towards Him, He says of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” ^{vs. 47} Which is an incredible insight and statement about him, for Jesus already knew Nathaniel, that he was not swayed by the opinions of men, rather he sought the truth for himself. Now when Jesus said this, Nathaniel was somewhat taken aback by His insight of him, and so he said to Jesus, “How do You know me?” To which Jesus answered saying, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” ^{Vs. 48} Now when Philip heard Jesus say that to him, he immediately said to Jesus, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” ^{Vs. 49} For only the Son of God the King of Israel, and thus the Promised Christ could have foreseen him doing that before He ever saw him or met him! Philip then goes from being a sceptic to now the first disciple to address Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the King of Israel! For the Lord Jesus Christ knows how to move those He has chosen out of the place of doubting to faith.

Vs. 50-51 ⁵⁰ Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” ⁵¹ And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Therefore because of his bold faith filled declaration Jesus now Promises Nathaniel that from now on He will see even greater things as evidential proof of His Person and verification for his declaration of Jesus as being the Son of God, the King of Israel (vs. 50). Having Promised as much even before His Ministry began Jesus then also says to Nathaniel that, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” Here Jesus is referring to when He saw Nathaniel under the fig tree, for it was there that Nathaniel in all likelihood was either reading or mediating on the passage of Scripture where Jacob saw the angels ascending upon the ladder to heaven (Gen. 28:12). And so now Jesus tells him that he will see the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man, indicating that He Himself is far greater than Jacob, because the angels of God did not come down to do Jacobs will, but they will be doing His Will, and Nathaniel will see this!

Scripture Quotations 

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson.

John 1:35–42

³⁵ Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. ³⁶ And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” ³⁷ The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” ³⁹ He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). ⁴⁰ One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹ He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).

Commentary
Vs. 35-37 ³⁵ Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. ³⁶ And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” ³⁷ The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Once again John encounters the Lord Jesus Christ, but this time he is with two of his disciples; that is two individuals who heard Johns message and themselves believed and were baptized, and thus were also looking for the Promised Christ. And so, it was when John saw Jesus he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” Now when the disciples heard him say this they immediately went and followed Jesus Christ because John was God’s messenger and thus a preacher of the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore he did not preach himself or anyone else, only Christ, and so he always made it abundantly clear he was not the One they (or anyone else) was to look too and follow. Just as any true and faithful Gospel preacher or teacher will likewise do, for those who do not are only seeking to make disciples after themselves, and we are not to look to and follow anyone other than the Lord Jesus Christ, which we do by believing and abiding in His Word given us all in the Holy Scriptures.

Vs. 38-39 ³⁸ Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” ³⁹ He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

Now when the two disciples of John began following Him Jesus turned and seeing them, (that is He looked upon them as to examine them), and then He asked them, “What do you seek?” Which is a very relevant question that resonates even today, as people from all walks of life, and for all kinds of reasons will likewise begin to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, though not all will finish their journey with Him. And so, though Jesus already knew their desires in wanting to follow Him, He asked them this so that they would search themselves, and thus understand themselves in wanting to follow Him. Now when they responded to Jesus’ question, they did so by first addressing Him as Rabbi, (which means my Teacher, or my Great one), which was their attempting to show great reverence for Him, before they went on to ask Him, “where are you staying?” Indicating that they were truly wanting to follow Jesus, just as John had pointed them to Him, for where Jesus was, there they wanted to be. Now when Jesus heard them say this, He said to them, “Come and see.” The Lord then without hesitation or reserve freely opens His heart and life to them, inviting them to “Come and see.” Which is how He treats everyone who seeks Him, for Jesus does not shut out or exclude anyone who seeks Him, for everyone who seeks Him will find Him! Just as He comes to all who invite Him, He will come and dine with them, that is with you and me! (Isaiah 55:6-7; Matt. 7:7-8; Acts 15:17; Rev. 3:20 etc.). And so, it was, that the two disciples came and saw where Jesus was staying and they themselves remained with Him there. Now this took place at the tenth hour, about 10:00am, and so they were the first individuals to spend the day with Jesus Christ the Savior of the world! Which must have been so gratifying to find and stay with the One whom every hungering soul and thirsting heart longs to be with.

Vs. 40-42 ⁴⁰ One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹ He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).

Here it is revealed that one of two disciples who heard John speak and first followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peters brother. For it was Andrew who having found Jesus then went and told Peter his brother that they had found the Messiah (which is translated, the Christ). And so, Andrew who would later be relatively obscure (but not an any less important Apostle) brought Peter to Jesus, and when Jesus saw Peter He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone). Here the significance of Jesus’ remaining Peter like that must not be lost on any of us, because though Peter was not yet a “man of stone”, one whom men could look to and rely upon, yet by Jesus’ hand and power upon him, Peter like all who believe in Jesus would be transformed into a new man, who would then go on and live boldly and righteously and faithfully for the Lord. And so, Jesus foreseeing what He was going to do with and through Peter now confidently asserts him as Cephas (which is translated, A Stone).

Scripture Quotations 

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson.

John 1:29–34

²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ³¹ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.” ³² And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. ³³ I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

Commentary
Vs. 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

This then is John the Baptists first encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, for though John was baptizing people in preparation of His Coming, John had not yet encountered Him. And so, when John saw Jesus coming towards him, he could not contain himself and cried out saying, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! Now that is an incredible statement by John, but in order to understand the implications of it one must first know that under the Old Covenant God required that a sacrificial lamb be slain, so that its shed blood would provide an atonement for one’s sins and transgressions, so they could be forgiven (Heb. 9:22). Now this was not God’s permeant solution for our sins and transgressions, it was merely pointing to the day when God Himself would provide a Sacrificial Lamb for the sins of the world! And that Sacrificial Lamb for us is His Son who Himself would bear all our sins and transgressions on the Cross, thus providing an everlasting Atonement for us all who believe in Him (John 3:6). For that is step one in God’s redeeming of our believing persons, step two is His “baptizing” us with His Holy Spirit which brings about the washing and renewal and regeneration of our persons, which happens the moment we believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ for ourselves (Titus 3:4-7). Therefore, that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, is not saying that He takes away everyone’s sins, for only those who believe in Him have their sins atoned for, and thus removed forever. Rather it is stating that through His Son Jesus Christ God has provided the Atonement for sin which entered the world when Adam, the first man sinned, and thus he and all of creation fell with him and came under sins condemnation.  
Vs. 30-31 ³⁰ This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ³¹ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.”

And so once again John makes it clear to everybody that he is not the one they should be looking too, rather it is Jesus Christ alone, who is preferred before him, for He was before him! Now John did not know Jesus Christ before His Manifestation to the nation of Israel, only that God told him to go and prepare the people for Him, and so John came telling all people to repent and be baptized in water symbolizing their washing themselves of their sins and thus their preparing their hearts and lives for Him (Acts 10:37-43; 13:24; 18:25; 19:3-4). Now when believers get baptized in water the symbolizing changes, for through it we are identifying ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ’s death and Resurrection and thus our rising to new and everlasting life with Him (Rom.6).

Vs. 32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.

John himself not only preached to the people to repent in preparation of Jesus Christ’s Coming, but he also saw the Spirit of God descend upon Jesus and remain upon Him when he baptized Him! (see Matt. 3:14-17).

Vs. 33-34 ³³ I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

Again, John tells everyone that He did not know who the Christ was until he saw the Holy Spirit descend and remain upon Him when he baptized Him. For God told him ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And having seen the Holy Spirit descend and remain upon Jesus Christ, John now boldly declares that Jesus Christ is the Son of God! For it is Christ alone who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, not John, nor anyone else.

Scripture Quotations 
New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson.

John 1:19–28

 ¹⁹ Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” ²⁰ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” ²¹ And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” ²² Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” ²³ He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” ²⁴ Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. ²⁵ And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” ²⁶ John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. ²⁷ It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.” ²⁸ These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Commentary
Vs. 19-20 ¹⁹ Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” ²⁰ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”

Thus, begins the testimony of John the Baptist (the forerunner of Jesus Christ, raised up and sent by God, see Luke 1:5-80). For to John is was ordained and given by God to prepare the Way for the coming of the Lord. Now when John did so (according to the Word of the Lord) it created quite a stir amongst the Jews, as to what this all meant. Therefore, they sent to him priests and Levites (their religious authorities) from Jerusalem asking him if he himself was the Christ, that is the Promised Messiah, who was to save the nation, and not just that nation, but every individual and nation who believes in Him. Now when they asked John if he was the Christ, he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” For John was sent by God to prepare people for Christ’s Manifestation too and through the nation of Israel. Therefore, he did not deny that he was not the Christ. For many have come and will come claiming to be Christ, but His true messengers never have and never will!

Vs. 21-23 ²¹ And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” ²² Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” ²³ He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

Having confessed that he is not the Christ, they now ask John if is he Elijah; for the Scripture tells that Elijah will come before the Christ (Malachi 4:5-6). Now though John was not Elijah, he was fulfilling that prophecy about Elijah, for God sent him in the spirit and power of Elijah, so that he might fulfill not only that prophecy (see Matt. 11:7-15), but also the Scripture in Isaiah which foretold of Christ’s forerunner, and so John says of himself, “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.” Thus, Johns’ message to the Pharisees and all the religious leaders in Israel was to make straight the way of the Lord, thus don’t make it crooked or hard to know and follow by your useless doctrines and commandments of men! Now as to their inquiry of John as to whether he was the Prophet, harkens back to the days of Moses when God pronounced that He would raise up a Prophet like him, who would again teach and lead His people, this Prophet though would be unique (from Moses and all others) in that not only would He teach the Words of God, but He would have the Authority of God (see Deut. 18:15-22). Therefore, John did not say that he was the Prophet, for only One has the Authority of God as the Prophet, and that is the Son of God Himself! Who will teach, lead, and rule Israel as it’s Prophet, Priest, and King. Therefore, take heed every one of you who teaches and leads through the Word of God, and “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

Vs. 24-28 ²⁴ Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. ²⁵ And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” ²⁶ John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. ²⁷ It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.” ²⁸ These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Now it was the Pharisees who were so firmly questioning John about himself (vs. 24). And when John confessed to them that he was not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet, they asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” ^{vs. 25} Johns answer then to them was not to explain that he was baptizing people in preparation for the Coming of the Lord, but rather to warn them that he only baptizes people with water (as a symbolic gesture of their repentance and thus their been washed of their sins). For as John says there is One now among them whom they do not know; which is a clear indictment against them; who is coming after him, who is preferred to him, whose sandal strap he himself isn’t even worthy to loose, who as we read in the synoptic Gospels (that is the other three Gospels) will baptize all people with either the Holy Spirit or with fire! (see Luke 3:15-18) Now these things were said and done by John in Bethabara beyond the Jordan where John was baptizing.

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson.

John 1:14–18

 ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵ John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” ¹⁶ And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

Vs. 14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The Word became flesh! No greater declaration is found in the all the Scriptures than that the Living Word of God became flesh! That is the Eternal Son of God became the Son of Man and dwelt among us. Thus, He set aside all of His Rights and Privileges as the Son of God and He put on mortal flesh so that He might dwell among us to bring God near to us, and us near to Him, when He would be crucified for us all. Therefore, John declares that he personally beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Now with John saying He beheld Jesus Christ’s glory (here on earth) as the only begotten of the Father, he is likely referring to seeing Jesus’ transfiguration on the Mount (see Matt. 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36; 2 Peter 1:17,18). That said, John also saw His glory revealed in many other ways, in the Works He did, and the things He said. And so, in beholding the Lord Jesus Christ’s glory while He was on earth dwelling among us, the Apostle John could draw only one conclusion of Him, and that is He is full of grace and truth!

Vs. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ”

The Apostle John now recalls John the Baptists testimony of Christ, for even he said, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” Therefore, though John the Baptist was revered by the people, (and still is some people’s eyes) he himself only revered and testified to the Lord Jesus Christ, never himself!

Vs. 16 “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.”

Truly then everyone one of us who believe in the Lord Jesus have received of His fullness, (for in Christ we are complete lacking nothing for eternal salvation and or God’s purposes for our lives down here). For it is His Holy Spirits power and gifts working in us and through us which enables all of us to do and be all that He wants us to do and be. Now Johns statement “grace for grace”, could be understood as “grace upon grace”, that is we are perpetually dwelling in and receiving grace from God because of the Lord Jesus Christs Righteousness and what He has done for us all!

Vs. 17 “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

What a contrast then, for the law (which condemns all as sinners in the sight of God) was given through Moses; thus, salvation does not come through the law, nor through Moses; rather grace and truth comes through Jesus Christ. Notice the order, grace and truth, for though the law is truth there is no grace found in it, for to be guilty of one offense under it is to be guilty of all! Therefore, seeking salvation by one’s own righteousness according to the law will only result in one’s complete condemnation! for God will not accept anything less then sinless perfection according to the law for our souls redemption, and that we can only have by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ the Perfect and Sinless Lamb of God who fulfilled the law for us!

Vs. 18 “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”

Here John declares that no one has seen God the Father, except His only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. The unique relationship then of Jesus Christ the Son to God the Father uniquely qualifies Him alone to declare Him, for He alone has seen and known Him.

Scripture Quotations

New King James Version (1982): Thomas Nelson.