John 1:20

The Jews expected the Christ (the Greek form of the Hebrew word Messiah) to bring spiritual leadership and political redemption to Israel. Both words mean “Anointed One” (a king chosen and set apart by God). They believed this promised leader would guide them back to faithful worship and free them from foreign rule (see Deuteronomy 18:15; see also the Jewish book Psalms of Solomon from the period between the Old and New Testaments).

Jesus reveals himself to the world through his miracles and teachings. People reacted differently:

• Some wanted to believe in him.

• Others opposed him.

This division becomes more obvious as the book continues. Jesus ended his public ministry with a final call for people to believe in him (12:44–50).

John’s Gospel focuses less on John the Baptist compared to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 3:1–6; Mark 1:2–6; Luke 1:1–24, 57–80; 3:1–13). However, the apostle John wants us to understand that John the Baptist correctly identified and honored Jesus.

John the Baptist’s disciples leave him to follow Jesus. Jesus continued the work that John had begun. As the ministry of Jesus grew, John’s ministry became smaller, just as John had said (John 3:30).