A Question About Purifying - John 3:25

John the apostle shared, “After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison”, and in chapter three and verse twenty-five of his book, John shared how, “there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews” where we read:

Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

The verse reads, “Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews ...” John began with the words, “then there arose a question” which means “at that time there came into existence, arose and became an inquiry, debate or matter of controversy” “between some of John's disciples” or “amid a few of the students, pupils and attendants of John the Baptist” “and the Jews” which refers to “the people within the Jewish nation in respect to birth, origin and religion”. John shared how a “matter of debate” arose between John the Baptist's “students and pupils” and the people or leaders within the “Jewish nation”.

The verse continues, “... about purifying”. John added the words, “about purifying” which means “concerning cleansing and ritual purgation or washing”. The “matter of controversy” between the disciples of John the Baptist and the leaders of the Jewish nations concerned “ritual washing an purification”.

When we meditate upon John's words in this verse, we learn how the “leaders, more than likely the religious leaders” among the Jewish people began to dispute with John the Baptist's disciples concerning certain “rites of purification” or “ceremonial washings”. Because the Jews had their traditional and acceptable ways to “cleanse” themselves and the disciples of John were not following them, a “debate” arose. Many people have “traditional rules” which they follow that keep them from being engaged with Jesus Christ who is the “Savior and Lord” of the world. Those who maintain their “traditions” without regard for who Jesus or His “forerunner, John the Baptist” is forfeit their ability to have a personal relationship with Almighty God. Those who are wise will carefully consider their “traditions and man-made rules” and put aside any of them that impede their relationship with Almighty God.

Next time John shares how John the Baptist's disciples tell him, “he that was with you beyond Jordan … the same baptizes”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".