John 4:2

"Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John"

Key Reflection

This verse suggests that the Lord Jesus was aware of the growing rivalry between his ministry and that of John the Baptist, especially among the Pharisees. The increase in disciples highlighted the impact of Jesus' teachings and the effectiveness of his baptism, which perhaps included a new form of spiritual cleansing or identification with God's kingdom.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 2. Though Jesus himself baptized not. The reason why Jesus did not baptize was probably because, if he had baptized, it might have made unhappy divisions among his followers: those might have considered themselves most worthy or honoured who had been baptized by him. Comp. 1 Co 1:17. __________________________________________________________________

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