John 1:19-34

II. Second Testimony: vv. 29-34.

How can we comprehend the fact that the deputies of the Sanhedrim left John without asking him who the person was of whom he intended to speak? Either they did not care to know, or they affected to despise the declaration of the one who spoke to them in this way. In both cases, here is their first positive act of unbelief. After their departure, the forerunner remained with his disciples and the multitude who had been present at this scene; and from the next day his testimony assumed a still more precise character. He no longer merely said, “He is there,” but seeing Jesus approaching him, he cries out: “There He is.” He characterizes first the work (John 1:29), then the person of Christ (John 1:30); afterwards, he relates how he attained the knowledge of Him, and on what foundation the testimony which He gives to Him rests (John 1:31-33); finally, he sets forth the importance which the act that he has just performed in disburdening himself of such a message in their presence has for his hearers (John 1:34).