John’s Testimony

John 1:29-34

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward 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 ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 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.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Notes

John the Beloved recorded the testimony of John the Baptist. God sent John the Baptist as a witness, a forerunner. He testified that Christ was greater than him. Moreover, the Baptist declared that He existed before he came into being. The very purpose of why the Baptist baptized is to reveal the Son of God. After disclaiming that he was not the Christ, nor the Prophet, John claimed that he was a voice in the wilderness telling people to prepare the way of the Lord.

1. Lamb of God

   John the Baptist pointed to the Word that became flesh and called Him the lamb of God. A sacrificial lamb is something that Jewish people would understand. But this is no ordinary lamb. This lamb can take away the sin of the world.
   
   29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward 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 ranks before me, because he was before me’ (John 1:29-30).
   
   

2. Spirit descends

   John the Baptist explained why he baptized with water. It is to reveal the Lamb to Israel. He also testified that the Spirit descended like a dove and remained on the Lamb. John declared that the Lamb would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
   
   31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 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.’ (John 1:31- 33).
   
   

3. Son of God

   John the Baptist testified that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Baptist also claimed that he saw the Spirit descend upon Christ. Then John called him the Son of God.
   
   34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God (John 1:34).
   
   
   

Application

1. Believe in the Lamb of God

   The lamb was a powerful symbol in the Passover. Moreover, it was a common animal to sacrifice in the tabernacle of Moses. Therefore, let us direct people’s attention to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

2. Believe in the Spirit Baptizer

   John baptized with water, but the Lord Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit. We believe that all who genuinely believe in Christ Jesus are baptized by Him by the Spirit. We proclaim the gospel, but Christ baptizes in the Spirit.
   

3. Believe in the Son of God

   John, the writer, recorded the testimony of John the Baptist that Christ Jesus is the Son of God. The writer also testified that Christ is God and the Son of God. We believe that Christ is God and the Son of God.
   

Reflection & Discussion

1. Explain the significance of the lamb in Israel’s history.

2. What was the purpose of John’s baptism?

3. What did John witness?