John’s disciples came to him with their grievances, saying, “Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.” John possessed the common infirmities of human nature. In this matter he was subjected to a severe trial. His influence as the prophet of God had been greater than any other man’s, until the ministry of Christ commenced; but the fame of this new teacher was drawing the attention of all people, and in consequence, the popularity of John was waning. His disciples brought to him the true statement of the case, Jesus baptizeth, and all men come to him. {2SP 136.4}

Johannes' disciple kom til ham med det, som besværede dem og sagde: "Mester, den, som var hos dig på den anden side af Jordan, hvilken du gav vidnesbyrd, (137) se han døber, og alle kommer til ham." (Joh 3,26) Johannes besad naturlig svaghed ligesom andre mennesker, og denne sag blev en streng prøve for ham. Hans indflydelse som Guds profet havde været større end noget andet menneskes, indtil Kristi virksomhed begyndte. Men den nye lærers berømmelse drog alt folkets opmærksomhed til ham, og en følge heraf vendte folket sig bort fra Johannes. Hans disciple fremførte sagen for ham i et ret lys, idet de sagde: Jesus døber, og alle kommer til ham.