BIBLE STUDY LESSON 11

SERIES Q --- THE SAVIOUR

JOHN’S DECLINE

THE LOYAL FOLLOWER

From John 3:22-36

After the visit of Nicodemus, Yeshua left Jerusalem with His disciples. He stayed for some time in Judea, where His disciples baptized those who came to Yeshua. John was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, where there was much water. As yet, he had not been put into prison. Someone got into a discussion with John’s disciples about purification and suggested that Yeshua’ baptism was better than John’s. Of course, John’s disciples wanted to talk this over with him. [Do you remember that Man who was with you by the Jordan River, the One you said was the Moshiach?] they began. [He is baptizing now and people are going to Him instead of you.] [He is doing what YHVH wants Him to do,] John answered. [Didn’t you hear me say that I am not the Moshiach? I am here to prepare others to receive Him. Shouldn’t the bride go to the bridegroom instead of a friend? Then the bridegroom’s friend should rejoice with the bridegroom. That’s why I rejoice to see Him succeed, because He is the bridegroom, and I am merely His friend.] [You will see Yeshua become greater while I become less,] John continued. [Since He came from heaven, He is greater than anyone on earth. We are just men, so how can we know more than what we have learned here on earth? But He has seen and heard things beyond this earth and has told us about them. Yet, many do not believe Him. Of course, those who do believe Him are saying to the world that YHVH tells the truth. They show that YHVH’s Son is telling what YHVH says, for YHVH’s Spirit is upon Him completely.] [YHVH loves His Son and has given Him everything. Those who believe in YHVH’s Son have a life that never ends. Those who do not believe in Him will never live with Him in heaven, but will suffer under YHVH’s anger forever.]

HOMEWARD TOWARD GALILEE

From John 4:1-3

Before long, the Pharisees learned that Yeshua’ disciples baptized more people than John and his disciples. Yeshua did not want this to become a problem, so He left Judea and travelled home toward Galilee.

YHVH’S MESSENGER IN PRISON

From Luke 3:19, 20

When John the Baptist boldly condemned Herod Antipas for marrying his brother’s wife, Herodias, Herod became angry and hurt and had John thrown into prison. Thus, Herod added an even greater sin to his already long list.

COMMENTARY

HEROD’S KINGDOM

Herod was still a young man when his father, Antipater, made him governor of Galilee, He established an intelligent, effective government. The Romans rewarded him by giving Herod more land to rule in the area of Judea. But this area was in a state of political turmoil. The last of the Hasmoneans, the Jewish royal family, wanted to keep control of Jerusalem and fought the appointment of a new Roman ruler. Although Caesar had proclaimed Herod king of the Jews, Herod had to wage war to take what had been granted to him. After Herod and his army succeeded in taking Jerusalem by force, he killed all remaining members of the old royal family to eliminate any threat in the future. Then, by choosing his friends carefully, Herod was able to increase his power. He continued to win the favour of the Roman rulers, and expanded the borders of his kingdom. But Herod’s kingdom did not survive beyond his lifetime. After his death, his three sons quarrelled over his will, and went to Caesar Augustus for a settlement. The Roman emperor divided Herod’s kingdom into three parts and gave one part to each son.