John 3:28

28 You yourselves can confirm that I did not say I was the Messiah, but that I have been sent ahead of him.

John 3:28 Meaning and Commentary

John 3:28

Ye yourselves bear me witness
In what they now said, and referred to, in describing Christ, as he to whom John bore witness; and he appeals to them for what he said in their presence, and before all the people in that testimony: that I said I am not the Christ;
see ( John 1:19 John 1:20 ) ; wherefore, if he, who is the Christ, is now come, and teaches, and baptizes, and has the greatest number of followers, it is not to be wondered at; and much less to be envied; but rather to be rejoiced at. For John, by repeating what he had before said, that he was not the Christ, suggests, that Jesus was; and therefore was superior to him in office, honour, and usefulness, who was only his harbinger and forerunner, as follows: but I am sent before him;
to prepare his way, to make straight his paths, to proclaim his coming, and kingdom, being at hand; and that the expectations of men may be raised, and they may be ready to receive him when come: and hereby the end of John's office, and ministry, had its accomplishment. The Ethiopic version adds, "to preach him".

John 3:28 In-Context

26 and they came to Yochanan and said to him, "Rabbi, you know the man who was with you on the other side of the Yarden, the one you spoke about? Well, here he is, immersing; and everyone is going to him!"

27 Yochanan answered, "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from Heaven.

28 You yourselves can confirm that I did not say I was the Messiah, but that I have been sent ahead of him.

29 The bridegroom is the one who has the bride; but the bridegroom's friend, who stands and listens to him, is overjoyed at the sound of the bridegroom's voice. So this joy of mine is now complete.

30 He must become more important, while I become less important.