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Sometimes it is easy for leaders to insulate themselves from criticism
just as the Pharisees and Sadducees did. It is easy for religious leaders to tell themselves that the criticism
is unjust and the “criticizers” are ungodly and have a sin problem. The Pharisees and Sadducees
did not like John’s challenge and that will become clear very soon.
Ministry At Bethany. When we arrive at John 1:19, approximately one and a half
months have passed since John saw Jesus the last time. The last time that Jesus and John were both together
was at Jesus’ baptism. After Jesus’ baptism the Holy Spirit moved Jesus into the wilderness to
be tempted (Mark 1:12). Since Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days, you know that at least 40 days have
passed - probably more - since His baptism when we come to our passage of John 1:19-34. It appears from John
1:26 that Jesus has returned and found John.
But where is John preaching now? The answer is given in John 1:28.
These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (NASB) John 1:28 Both Jesus and John were now in Bethany. The location of the ancient city of Bethany where John was now
ministering is unknown today. However, Bethany must have been located near the Sea of Galilee since Jesus walked
from Bethany into Galilee in one day (v. 43). Three days later Jesus traveled to Cana of Galilee (John 2:1).
If Jesus and John were now located near the Dead Sea, Jesus would not be able to walk the 80 miles (128.7 Km)
distance to Cana in four days.
The Religious Leaders. So when we arrive at our passage - John 1:19 - John the
Baptist was baptizing at Bethany and some religious leaders from Jerusalem arrived.
This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” (NASB) John 1:19 |
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