Footnote 4 – Why Jesus Went Back to Galilee

It is probable that in John’s source the first disciples of Jesus were directed to him by John. A later editor transformed this into the Baptist’s proclamation of Jesus as the Lamb of God. The inherent probability of the scenario in John’s source is underlined by its similarity to the traditional approach of Old Testament prophets. Elijah selected Elisha as his assistant (1 Kings 19:16–21). Jeremiah chose Baruch to help him (Jeremiah 36). To extend his ministry, John picked out Jesus. With a view to multiplying the latter’s effectiveness, it would have been prudent of the Baptist to encourage some of those who came to him to group themselves around Jesus.