John 1:24–28 continues the interrogation of John the Baptist by the religious authorities. Having established that he is not the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet, they now press him on why he baptizes at all. His response reveals his deep understanding of his preparatory role and sets the stage for the unveiling of the Messiah. These verses contrast the religious expectations of the leaders with the humble arrival of the One among them—the Christ whom they do not recognize.
“(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, ‘Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.’ These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.”
(John 1:24–28, ESV)
John 1:24–25 — “(Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, ‘Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’”
Cross References:
- Ezekiel 36:25–27 – “I will sprinkle clean water on you… and give you a new heart…”
- Matthew 21:25 – “The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?”
- Acts 19:4 – “John baptized with the baptism of repentance…”
The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to tradition and authority, are now directly involved. Their challenge is theological and liturgical: baptism was understood, but only for Gentile proselytes, not for Jews. John’s baptism of Jews—calling even Israelites to repent—was radical and offensive. If John is not the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet, then by what authority does he alter or expand such symbolic practice?
This reveals their religious blindness: they are concerned with ritual without recognizing the eschatological moment unfolding before them. They assume proper credentials are needed to act; John operates under divine commission.
John 1:26 — “John answered them, ‘I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know…’”
Cross References:
- Malachi 3:1 – “The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.”
- John 1:31 – “I myself did not know him…”
- Acts 13:24–25 – “Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance…”
John distinguishes between his baptism—a symbolic act with water—and the far greater presence of the One who is already among them, unrecognized. His statement carries prophetic rebuke: the Messiah is here, but you do not know Him. This is a piercing statement against the religious elite, who should have recognized Him based on Scripture.
This verse is a transition—from John’s water-based preparation to the Spirit-anointed One who brings true cleansing and transformation.
John 1:27 — “…even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”
Cross References:
- Matthew 3:11 – “…whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.”
- Philippians 2:6–7 – “Though he was in the form of God… he humbled himself…”
- Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born… and his name shall be called…”
In the ancient world, untying sandals was the task of the lowest servant. John uses this imagery to express profound humility: even that menial service is too high an honor for him in relation to Jesus.
This is not false modesty—it is theological reverence. John recognizes the infinite worth and preeminence of Christ. Though John precedes Jesus chronologically, he knows Jesus surpasses him in eternal stature (John 1:15). John is the friend of the bridegroom; Christ is the bridegroom Himself (John 3:29).
This anticipates Jesus’ own act of washing His disciples’ feet (John 13), turning the imagery on its head to reveal the servant-King who alone is worthy.
John 1:28 — “These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.”
Cross References:
- Judges 7:24 – “Bethany” near the Jordan is east of the Jordan River, not the Bethany near Jerusalem.
- 2 Kings 2:6–9 – Elijah crossed the Jordan before his departure, another typological connection.
- John 10:40 – “He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first…”
The location is not incidental—it is symbolically rich. “Bethany across the Jordan” places this event outside Jerusalem, in the wilderness, echoing the prophetic tradition of Elijah and Isaiah. This is the edge of the Promised Land, where new beginnings take place.
The wilderness has long been a place of preparation and encounter with God (Exodus, Elijah, Israel’s testing). In the New Testament, it becomes the place where the new exodus begins—Jesus will emerge from the Jordan, not merely to teach but to recreate.
Summary for Discipleship & Teaching
This passage teaches vital lessons about authority, humility, and recognition:
- John holds no titles, yet his authority comes from God.
- He does not elevate himself, but lowers himself before Christ.
- The religious elite, though trained in Scripture, miss the presence of Christ standing among them.
For discipleship, the message is urgent:
- Recognize Jesus for who He is.
- Examine our assumptions—religious familiarity can blind us to spiritual reality.
- Adopt John’s posture: point others to Christ, not to ourselves.
John’s baptism prepared hearts, but Jesus brings the Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16). The One “among you” still stands in the world today—unrecognized by many. The call to repentance and recognition remains as vital now as it was then.
Outline: John 1:24–28 (ESV)
The following information is intended for preparation.
Scripture (ESV):
24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)
25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,
27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”
28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
1. The Question of Authority (vv. 24–25)
- “Now they had been sent from the Pharisees” — The religious elite were behind the inquiry, showing official concern.
- 📖 Cross Reference: Matthew 3:7 — “When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming… he said, ‘You brood of vipers!’”
- “Why are you baptizing…?” — They challenge John’s authority to baptize since he denies being a major prophetic figure.
- Key Idea: John’s ministry provoked questions from religious authorities.
- Key Words:Pharisees, why are you baptizing
2. John’s Humble Response (vv. 26–27)
- “I baptize with water” — John’s baptism was symbolic and preparatory.
- “Among you stands one you do not know” — Jesus was already present, but unrecognized.
- “The strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie” — John expresses deep humility before Christ.
- 📖 Cross Reference: Mark 1:7 — “After me comes he who is mightier than I…”
- Key Idea: John points away from himself to someone greater — the coming Christ.
- Key Words:water, you do not know, not worthy
3. The Setting of John’s Ministry (v. 28)
- “These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan” — A specific location tied to John’s baptizing work.
- 📖 Cross Reference: John 10:40 — “He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing…”
- Key Idea: John’s ministry took place in a real, recognizable setting that prepared for Jesus’ public revelation.
- Key Words:Bethany, across the Jordan, baptizing
Moe Bergeron 
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