And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples aren't just reporting Jesus' popularity; they're framing it as a personal affront to John, highlighting how Jesus, who "was with" John and received his testimony, is now seemingly competing with him. This reveals their possessive pride and fear that John's own influence is being overshadowed.
And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
John's disciples, stirred by the growing crowds following Jesus, approach their master with a mixture of awe and apprehension. They report that Jesus, whom John himself had testified about, is now baptizing and drawing everyone to himself, eclipsing John's own ministry and raising concerns about their master's popularity. This prompts John to reflect on the divine source of all authority, emphasizing that Jesus's success is not a threat but a testament to God's plan.
Imagine your favorite artist suddenly has a challenger who's drawing bigger crowds. That's exactly what John's disciples felt, and it brought a tough question to their mentor.
The disciples of John weren't just reporting a fact; they were bringing a complaint fueled by jealousy and a sense of rivalry.
When confronted with seeming 'rivalry,' John the Baptist's response reveals a man secure in his divine calling, focused not on his own fame, but on Christ's.
John's disciples were focused on outward success and numbers. John, however, understood his role and pointed them back to the divine source of all authority.
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Understand the original words
rhabbhi · Hebrew Noun
A title of respect meaning 'my great one' or 'teacher,' used by disciples to address their mentors or recognized authorities in Jewish law.
martyreo · Greek Verb
In a legal or religious context, this refers to providing testimony or evidence to confirm the truth about a person or event, often with the weight of personal conviction.
This moment captures the early tension between the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus, highlighting the human tendency towards jealousy and the divine principle of recognizing Christ's supreme authority, even when it diminishes our own perceived importance.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
After his baptism and temptation, Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee and Judea, also baptizing disciples.
c. AD 27-28
John the Baptist Baptizing
John the Baptist is actively ministering and baptizing people in the Jordan River, near Salim and Enon, proclaiming the coming of the Messiah.
c. AD 27-28— this verse
Disciples of John's Jealousy
John's disciples witness Jesus also baptizing and attracting large crowds, leading them to approach John with concern and jealousy.
c. AD 27-28
John the Baptist's Humility
John the Baptist responds to his disciples' concerns with humility, emphasizing that Jesus' prominence is divinely appointed and that his own role is to prepare the way.
c. AD 30
John the Baptist Imprisoned
John the Baptist is eventually imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage, marking a significant shift in the religious landscape.
This passage highlights a similar concern over exclusivity and delegated authority, where Joshua expresses worry that Eldad and Medad prophesying outside the camp would diminish Moses's authority, mirroring the disciples' fear that Jesus's popularity would overshadow John's.
Luke 9:49Here, John himself shows a similar possessiveness over Jesus's ministry, objecting to someone casting out demons in Jesus's name because he wasn't part of their group, revealing a common human tendency to guard one's own perceived spiritual territory.
Philippians 2:3This verse directly addresses the heart of the issue by urging believers to act 'without a spirit of rivalry or conceit,' but in humility considering others better than themselves, which stands in stark contrast to the disciples' jealous attitude.
John 4:1This verse shows Jesus learning of John the Baptist's imprisonment and deciding to leave Judea, demonstrating Jesus's broader awareness of the spiritual landscape and his own divine timing, which contrasts with the disciples' narrow focus on immediate popularity.
barnesJohn 3:26: "And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him."
Came unto John - Came to him with their complaint; envious and jealous at the success of Jesus, and evidently irritated from the discussion, as if their master was about to lose his popularity. Rabbi - Master. See the notes at Matthew 23:7. Acknowledging him as their master and teacher. That was with thee - Who was…
calvinJohn 3:22-28: "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized."
- After these things came Jesus, and his disciples, into the land of Judea, and there he remained with them and baptized. 23. And John also was baptizing in Enon, near Salim; because there were many waters there. They came therefore and were baptized. 24. For John was not yet cast into prison. 25. A question then arose between the disciples of John and the Jew…
The disciples aren't just reporting Jesus' popularity; they're framing it as a personal affront to John, highlighting how Jesus, who "was with" John and received his testimony, is now seemingly competing with him. This reveals their possessive pride and fear that John's own influence is being overshadowed.
John's disciples, stirred by the growing crowds following Jesus, approach their master with a mixture of awe and apprehension. They report that Jesus, whom John himself had testified about, is now baptizing and drawing everyone to himself, eclipsing John's own ministry and raising concerns about their master's popularity. This prompts John to reflect on the divine source of all authority, emphasizing that Jesus's success is not a threat but a testament to God's plan.
John's disciples, stirred by the growing crowds following Jesus, approach their master with a mixture of awe and apprehension. They report that Jesus, whom John himself had testified about, is now baptizing and drawing everyone to himself, eclipsing John's own ministry and raising concerns about their master's popularity. This prompts John to reflect on the divine source of all authority, emphasizing that Jesus's success is not a threat but a testament to God's plan.
"And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”" — The disciples aren't just reporting Jesus' popularity; they're framing it as a personal affront to John, highlighting how Jesus, who "was with" John and received his testimony, is now seemingly compe…
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Last reviewed October 2026