John the Baptist’s posture of pointing others toward Jesus foreshadows the new era unfolding for those who seek the Lamb of God.
In this verse, we read, Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples (John 1:35). This occurs after John the Baptist has already proclaimed Jesus to be “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). John the Baptist lived in the early 1st century AD, likely beginning his public ministry around AD 26-29. He was the prophet sent to prepare the way for Jesus, calling people to repent and be baptized. By “the next day,” the apostle John signals a continuation of events surrounding John the Baptist’s identification of Jesus as the promised Messiah, creating a dramatic progression that leads the Baptist’s followers to discover Christ for themselves. Despite his own following, John’s mission was to direct others to the greater One who would save the world.
This short verse also notes that John the Baptist was “standing with two of his disciples.” Historical context suggests the location was near the Jordan River, across from Judea, a place often referred to in John 1:28 as “Bethany beyond the Jordan.” The presence of two disciples shows us that John’s ministry had drawn faithful learners eager to hear his teaching. One of these disciples was Andrew, who, upon hearing John speak of Jesus, immediately began to follow Him and even introduced his brother Simon Peter to the Lord (John 1:35-42). This highlights John’s significance in guiding his own followers toward recognizing and embracing Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise.
The verse underscores John’s humility as well. Having worked diligently to summon people to repent in preparation for the Messiah, John the Baptist is now on the brink of stepping aside so his disciples can transfer their devotion to Christ. In the surrounding passages, John consistently deflects glory away from himself, emphasizing the supremacy of Jesus and exemplifying the heart of a true servant (John 1:27). His role in salvation history was to prepare the way, then joyfully release his followers to the Savior who would offer them new life in Him.
John 1:35 meaning
In this verse, we read, Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples (John 1:35). This occurs after John the Baptist has already proclaimed Jesus to be “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). John the Baptist lived in the early 1st century AD, likely beginning his public ministry around AD 26-29. He was the prophet sent to prepare the way for Jesus, calling people to repent and be baptized. By “the next day,” the apostle John signals a continuation of events surrounding John the Baptist’s identification of Jesus as the promised Messiah, creating a dramatic progression that leads the Baptist’s followers to discover Christ for themselves. Despite his own following, John’s mission was to direct others to the greater One who would save the world.
This short verse also notes that John the Baptist was “standing with two of his disciples.” Historical context suggests the location was near the Jordan River, across from Judea, a place often referred to in John 1:28 as “Bethany beyond the Jordan.” The presence of two disciples shows us that John’s ministry had drawn faithful learners eager to hear his teaching. One of these disciples was Andrew, who, upon hearing John speak of Jesus, immediately began to follow Him and even introduced his brother Simon Peter to the Lord (John 1:35-42). This highlights John’s significance in guiding his own followers toward recognizing and embracing Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise.
The verse underscores John’s humility as well. Having worked diligently to summon people to repent in preparation for the Messiah, John the Baptist is now on the brink of stepping aside so his disciples can transfer their devotion to Christ. In the surrounding passages, John consistently deflects glory away from himself, emphasizing the supremacy of Jesus and exemplifying the heart of a true servant (John 1:27). His role in salvation history was to prepare the way, then joyfully release his followers to the Savior who would offer them new life in Him.