John 3:28 Commentary and Bible Study

His disciples knew that he had always denied being the Christ, and that he had spoken of the Christ as being so much greater than him that he was not worthy to untie his shoe laces. His disciples should not therefore be jealous on his behalf for nothing was happening that had not always been expected. John’s ministry had always been a ministry of preparation that would last for a short time and then fade into the background. Though he loved his disciples, he was ready to disagree with them on this point and to refuse to see things the same way as they did. Their outlook was not spiritual and John would not be flattered into being jealous of his own reputation.