Jesus’ ministry was launched from the ministry of John the Baptist (1:19–37). Now that Jesus has begun his ministry the Baptist returns to the stage to bear witness, setting his seal to what has been revealed. But he does so after it is made clear that there are in fact differences between the Baptist and Jesus himself. That which is new in Jesus, going beyond the Baptist’s own message, is accepted and affirmed by John the Baptist on the basis of his recognition of who Jesus is, the one who comes from heaven.
