John 1:29-31 (NIV) John Testifies About Jesus
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
Have you wondered about the identity of Jesus? How could some people recognize Him while others denied who He was? John knew when he saw Jesus. How did he know? There are still doubts for many. How about you?
Here is the scene. John, this strange character (eats locusts and wild honey), is out in Bethany by the Jordon river baptizing people into the Kingdom of God. The Pharisees have sent a delegation to ask John if he is the Christ, the Anointed One. John says no. They press him for more details and He quotes Isaiah 40:3 saying “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, Make straight the way for the Lord.” They ask him why he is baptizing and he replies “….among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me. The thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” Back in verse 15, John told them about the One who comes after him. In 14, he told them the Word became flesh. It was clear who Jesus was according to prophecy.
Have you ever known something and you just knew you were right? After investigation, you were correct. Sometimes, inside, you just know. I knew Jean would be my wife after first meeting her. There was just something special inside telling me to ask her. Of course, she had to think about it. She has never been one to decide anything quickly. I guess her reputation for making careful choices is a good thing as we have been together more than 40 years. If you have ever experienced something like this, you understand what happened next. John sees Jesus approaching and says “29 Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” There is significance to the “Lamb” part also. The Lamb points to the sacrifice that God ordained in the Old Testament (Leviticus) that people could offer in place of their own death for their sin; a substitution. Jesus also became the Paschal (Passover) Lamb that protected Israel from the Angel of Death during the Exodus from Egypt and still protects us today.
John goes on to say “….the reason I came baptizing with water is that he might be revealed to Israel.” So John’s purpose was to reveal Jesus to Israel and us. John tells how he knew Jesus was the One. “He was told by the one who sent him to baptize ‘The One on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” Has He been revealed to you? Do you still have doubts? What will it take to convince you? You have heard from an eye witness.
John also tells us “12 Yet to all who believed in him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God….” That is an incredible offer. I have accepted it and hope you will too! Do you want to be a child of God? Ask Him! He is waiting for you. He wishes none to perish.
Lord thank You that You wait patiently for us to come to You in our own time. By Your Spirit, draw us to you. Prepare our hearts to receive You. May we hear John’s voice preparing the way and leading us to the Lamb of God! In Your name we pray!