*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.
John 1:19-34 teaches us about humility and pointing others to Jesus. John the Baptist didn’t seek attention for himself but made sure people knew that Jesus was the Savior. This reminds us that our purpose is not to seek praise for ourselves but to lead others to Christ through our words and actions. Like John, we should be humble, faithful, and willing to share the good news about Jesus, so others can know His love and forgiveness.
John 1:19-34 (WEB)
1:19 This is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”20 He declared, and didn’t deny, but he declared, “I am not the Christ.”21 They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?”He said, “I am not.”“Are you the prophet?”He answered, “No.”22 They said therefore to him, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”24 The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”26 John answered them, “I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don’t know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to loosen.” 28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.29 The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.’ 31 I didn’t know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water, that he would be revealed to Israel.” 32 John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him. 33 I didn’t recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘On whomever you will see the Spirit descending and remaining on him is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”