1. Introducing the “Other” John Observations: 1. Witness of John the Baptist is where John (the Apostle’s) story of Jesus actually begins. 2. John it treated differently that Synoptics. Testimony not Baptist. 3. Prior to his testimony of Jesus, John must defend himself & His Baptism before “Jews” (cf. 2:18; 5:10, 16, 18; 6:41; 7:1, 11; 8:52; 10:31; 11:8; 18:14; 19:7, 12; in all 71x’s)

2. Introducing the “Other” John Observations: 4. Who John is not: Not Messiah Not Elijah (Mal 4:5) Not “the” prophet (Deut 18:15-19) See expectations of Jew according to Matt 16:14, Mark 6:15, Luke 9:19)

3. Introducing the “Other” John Observations: 5. Who John is: A “voice” crying in the wilderness Note: change from Matt 3.3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4. Not “a voice” but “I am a voice.” Note context of Isaiah 40, esp 40:6-8

4. Introducing the “Other” John Observations: 6. If John is Not, how can he explain (justify) his ministry? (question of Pharisee 1:24) Equal? Not even slave comparison. A preparation, washing with water only to reveal to (world?) & to prepare for real spirit-baptism. (1:31-33) Bethany (across Jordan Bethany) Note how Lazarus in Chap 11, at the end of the signs is also Bethany)

5. Introducing the “Other” John Observations: 7. If John is to testify, how did he come to know Jesus? (see, 1:29-34) Sign of Spirit (at Baptism?) This one is the one who … Word of God as preliminary That one said to me… (1:33)