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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 2
Nicodemus related to John the story of that interview, and his
inspired pen recorded it for the instruction of millions. The vital truths
there taught are as important today as they were that solemn night in
the shadowy mountain, when the mighty Jewish ruler came to learn
the way of life from the lowly carpenter of Nazareth.
“When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that
Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus him-
self baptized not, but his disciples), he left Judea, and departed again
into Galilee.”
The prejudice of the Jews was aroused because the disciples of
Jesus did not use the exact words of John in the rite of baptism. John
baptized unto repentance, but the disciples of Jesus, on profession of
the faith, baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The
teachings of John were in perfect harmony with those of Jesus, yet
his disciples became jealous for fear his influence was diminishing.
A dise arose between them and the disciples of Jesus in regard to the
form of words proper to use at baptism, and finally as to the right of
the latter to baptize at all.
John’s disciples came to him with their grievances, saying, “Rabbi,
he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, be-
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hold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.” John possessed the
common infirmities of human nature. In this matter he was subjected
to a severe trial. His influence as the prophet of God had been greater
than any other man’s, until the ministry of Christ commenced; but
the fame of this new teacher was drawing the attention of all people,
and in consequence, the popularity of John was waning. His disciples
brought to him the true statement of the case, Jesus baptizeth, and all
men come to him.
John stood in a dangerous position; had he justified the jealousy
of his disciples by a word of sympathy or encouragement in their
murmurings, a serious division would have been created. But the
noble and unselfish spirit of the prophet shone forth in the answer he
gave to his followers:—
“A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from Heaven.
Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that
I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom; but the
friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth