MPV Commentary

The Baptist's Testimony to Christ.

19. The Jewish leaders, who were part of the Sanhedrin, asked John about Jesus.

20. Many people thought Jesus was the Messiah, but John neither confirmed nor denied this claim.

21. They asked John if he was Elijah, the prophet mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:15 and elsewhere. However, they seemed uncertain whether Elijah was the same person as the Messiah.

25. The Jewish leaders questioned John's authority to baptize people, thinking that Jesus might not be connected with the Messiah's kingdom.

26. This conversation took place after Jesus' baptism and possibly after his temptation in the wilderness (see John 1:29).

28. The location of this event was Bethany, a town on the east side of the Jordan River, distinct from the Bethany near Jerusalem where Lazarus lived.

29. As Jesus approached, John saw him coming and exclaimed that he was the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world.

30. This phrase "Lamb of God" referred to Christ as a sacrificial offering ordained by God. The word used here signifies both taking up and taking away, ideas that are also present in the Levitical sacrifices (Exodus 28:38; Leviticus 5:1; Ezekiel 18:20).

31-34. Although John had been expecting Jesus to appear, he did not recognize him at first because they lived apart. However, when Jesus drew near for baptism, John's spirit was filled with a divine presentiment that the moment had arrived. As Jesus emerged from the water, the Spirit descended upon him, and John exclaimed, "This is the Son of God!"

35. John stood in his usual place, watching as Jesus walked away.

36. With significant gaze, John looked at Jesus and repeated his earlier declaration: "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." This repetition was likely a gentle hint for others to follow Jesus.