Tag: John 1
The Lamb of God
Scripture reading for April 7: John 1
“And the next day He saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of Whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man Who ranks before me, because He was before me.’ I myself did not know Him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that He might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him. I myself did not know Him, but He Who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on Whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is He Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit,‘ and I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” John 1:29-34
John the Baptist was a cousin of Jesus Christ and leaped in his mother’s womb when Mary, the pregnant mother of Jesus visited his mother Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39-42) John and Jesus grew up very close in age and in the same family tree. John was called to the ministry of a prophet and spent years in the wilderness of Judea. At the right time, he began to preach repentance to the people of Israel who would come to hear him. Religious leaders came to question him, asking who he was. John denied being the ‘Christ’ or being the prophet Elijah. He quoted Isaiah 40:3 and claimed to be the ‘voice’ crying in the wilderness calling people to repentance. When asked why he was baptizing, John told them of a coming One, Who was greater. He was preparing Israel to receive Him.
The next day, Jesus came to where John was and John announced, “Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!” John proclaimed Jesus as the One Who was greater and would baptize with the Holy Spirit. John twice said that He did not know Him! He stated that the One Who sent him to baptize revealed that when he saw the Spirit descend and remain on the One baptized, that was the Son of God. John had known Jesus as his cousin, but did not know Jesus fully as God’s Son until God Himself revealed this truth to him. So it is with each person even now!
In what way do you know Jesus Christ yourself today? How did God reveal Jesus Christ to you as the Son of God? Have you been baptized in water? Has Jesus baptized you with the Holy Spirit?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for revealing Jesus Christ to each person who You draw to salvation. Through the Gospel, I have received forgiveness and salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. By You grace, use me to share the Gospel of Your Son that others may know Him as their Lamb of God! Amen.
Spending time with Jesus!
Scripture reading for April 6th: John 1
Key scriptures for over-comers: John 1:36-39 “When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” “Come,” He replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where He was staying, and spent that day with Him. It was about the tenth hour.”
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance and warning them of God’s wrath against sin. As he saw Jesus, John identified Jesus as “The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) Two of John’s disciples left him to follow Jesus. Jesus asked them what they wanted from Him and they simply asked where Jesus was staying. Jesus invited them to come with Him and spend the day! What an amazing opportunity given to simple fishermen who were hungry to learn about Jesus! Jesus is calling us to spend time with Him today!
Key observations for over-comers: Relationships take time. Spending time with Jesus is the best way to hear His words, know His ways, and catch His heart! “Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord, I teach you today, even you.” (Proverbs 22:17-19)
The “Word” made flesh!
Scripture reading for April 7th: John 1
John’s record of Jesus’ life and ministry begins with the “Word” of God as the starting point. Jesus is God’s personal and final “Word” given to mankind to reveal His love, character, and Father’s heart. Jesus was with God in the beginning. This ‘beginning’ was the creation of the world and mankind. He made all things through His Word out of nothing. (John 1:3-4)
John also stated that Jesus is the source of all life and light. In Christ alone, there is life without end. He came to earth to bring this life and the knowledge of it to man. But because of sin and rebellion, man did not recognize Jesus. Even Jesus’ own people did not receive Him. Though Jesus was in the world He created, the world did not recognize Him because of the darkness. (John 10:10)
“Yet all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become the children of God–children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision, or of a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13) Those who believed on Jesus recognized Him as God’s Word made flesh. We know Him as the “One and Only, who came from the Father.” (John 1:14) We through faith become God’s children supernaturally by His Spirit.
“For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.” (John 1:17-18) God spoke the Law to Moses to reveal sin and man’s need for a sacrifice. The Law could not save mankind. But Jesus Christ revealed God’s grace and truth, enabling us to be restored to God. What an amazing Word!