The attention of the company was now turned to the disciples. For the first time they had the opportunity of acknowledging their faith in Jesus. They told what they had seen and heard at the Jordan, and there was kindled in many hearts the hope that God had raised up a deliverer for His people. The news of the miracle spread through all that region, and was carried to Jerusalem. With new interest the priests and elders searched the prophecies pointing to Christ's coming. There was eager desire to learn the mission of this new teacher, who appeared among the people in so unassuming a manner.

Nu samledes forsamlingens opmærksomhed sig om disciplene. For første gang havde de lejlighed til at bekende deres tro på Jesus. De fortalte, hvad de havde set og hørt ved Jordan, og i manges hjerter vaktes der et håb om, at Gud havde oprejst en befrier for sit folk. Rygtet om underet bredte sig i hele den egn, og det nåede også til Jerusalem. Med fornyet interesse granskede præsterne og de ældste profetierne, der viste hen til Kristi komme. Man higede efter at få at vide, hvori denne nye lærers hverv bestod, han, som færdedes blandt folk på en så fordringsløs måde.