*John 1:19-34
John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the world’s sin.
- Interrogation of John the Baptist:
- The passage begins with Jewish leaders interrogating John the Baptist, questioning his identity and ministry.
- They ask him if he is the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet foretold by Moses.
- John’s Denial and Declaration:
- John denies being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet, affirming that he is merely a voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord.
- Explanation of Baptism:
- John explains that he baptizes with water, but there is one among them whom they do not recognize, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
- Identification of Jesus:
- The next day, John sees Jesus coming towards him and proclaims, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
- He declares that Jesus is the one he spoke of, who comes after him and ranks above him, because He existed before him.
- Confirmation by the Spirit:
- John testifies that he saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove and remain on Jesus, indicating that He is the Son of God.
- Purpose of John’s Baptism:
- John further explains that he came baptizing with water so that Jesus might be revealed to Israel.
- Verification of Jesus’ Identity:
- John reiterates his testimony, emphasizing that he has seen and testified that Jesus is the Son of God.
1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 1:20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
1:21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
1:22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
1:24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.