John 1:28, Bethany Introduced

28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

This verse seems rather innocuous on the first read regarding the location being Bethany. However, as you read further into this gospel, you will see that very important events take place in and around Bethany. Bethany was about two miles east of Jerusalem. It was closer to Jerusalem than it was to the Jordan River where John was baptizing. It appears John was headquartered in Bethany or at least someone there supported him.

The most famous residents of Bethany in the New Testament are Martha, Mary, and their brother, Lazarus. It was the place Jesus stayed during his last Passover in Jerusalem. Could it be that perhaps John stayed with this same family? That he was preparing the way for Jesus by preparing a place for him to stay and a family that would support him? John's ministry had one goal: to prepare the people for the Messiah. As we will see, John did much more than he is usually given credit for in supporting the coming ministry of Jesus.

Bethany has been introduced to us as a place John the baptizer knew. As we study the Gospel of John this year, pay attention to all the mentions of Bethany, as it becomes, arguably, Jesus' favorite place to be in the home of some of his closest friends.

Do you have a favorite place to be that is full of meaning and purpose to you? Give thanks to the Lord for this place today, reflecting on why it is so special to you.