But John, irrespective of personal interest, stood up in defense of Jesus, testifying to his superiority as the Promised One of Israel, whose way he had come to prepare. He identified himself fully with the cause of Christ, and declared that his greatest joy was in its success. Then, rising above all worldly considerations, he gave this remarkable testimony—almost the counterpart of that which Jesus had given to Nicodemus in their secret interview:— {2SP 138.1}

Men Johannes forsvarede Jesus uden hensyn til sin egen personlige interesse og vidnede, at Israels Frelser var større end han; thi han var kommet for at berede vejen for ham. Han forenede sig fuldstændig med Kristus og erklærede, at hans største glæde var, at Jesu sag gik frem, og idet han hævede sig over alle jordiske hensyn, aflagde han dette mærkværdige vidnesbyrd - næsten det samme som det, Jesus havde fremført for Nikodemus ved deres møde om natten: