1:30
This verse was referred to in 1:15. John knew that Jesus was greater than he. Since Jesus came after John one might have expected that John was the greater, being older and the first. Numerous people have worked on relativity since Einstein, but none of them are considered as great as Eisntein because he was the first.
However, although in terms of natural birth John was the older, Jesus was eternal and always was. So Jesus was actually before John. Some ask how could John know this, but the answer is simple. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist was filled with the spirit from before birth (Luke 1:14).
1:31
Now why does John say that he did not know Jesus? Does he mean he did not know Him personally? They were related, but then John had lived in the wilderness, so it is possible that this is what he means. Some say that it was not until he saw Jesus here that he realised who Jesus was. However, this does not seem to fit with John's reluctance to baptise Jesus. John knew a lot more than people seem to give him credit for.
John came baptising with water so that Jesus could be revealed to Israel. So we see again the importance of repentance. I know I keep mentioning this, and I will continue to do so. Repentance opens up the way for us to see who Jesus is.
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