Tag: John 1:29-34
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.
Anointed Leader!
Scripture reading for April 5th: 1st Samuel 6-9, John 1
Key Scriptures: John 1:29-34 “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.”
John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, proclaimed prophetically the Name and mission of Christ Jesus. His job was to call all people to humility and cleansing through water baptism. This would prepare the way for the One who would baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit and fire!
1st Samuel 9:15-16 “Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed to Samuel: “Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over My people Israel. He shall save My people from the hand of the Philistines.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for anointing Jesus, Your Son, to lead Your people and save them from their enemies! Amen!