John the Baptist’s disciples were jealous for him. He had been preparing the way for Jesus, calling on people to repent and be baptized – and now Jesus was baptizing too and many were following Him instead of John. This was not a problem for John, instead he was overjoyed – for his purpose was always to point people to Jesus! Now that Jesus was here, John knew that he was meant to decrease in prominence allowing Jesus to increase in importance. 

Nicodemus was an educated man and as a member of the Jewish ruling council he was a man of authority in Jerusalem. He seeks Jesus out at night to talk with Him. Their discourse contains one of the most well-known verses of scripture – John 3:16 – as Jesus privately instructs Nicodemus in the great mystery of the Gospel, its implications, and Nicodemus’ need to respond personally.   

At a wedding in Cana, Jesus openly demonstrates a power over creation that only its Creator could have. John records; "What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory..." this first sign reveals a love and concern for everyday people in their celebration.

The next thing John records for us is Jesus' open demonstration

of His just anger at those who were corrupting God's house of worship with

their greed and oppression. Jesus reveals a love and concern for God's people

in their worship of Him.

As Jesus began his public ministry, John the Baptist introduced Him by declaring; “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” In one sentence he has summarized the reason Jesus came – to deal with mankind’s sin problem through His death on the cross.

As He travels throughout the region, Jesus begins to call men to follow him. These men will become Jesus’ disciples, they will know Him intimately and join Him in His ministry and mission.