When he was questioned by priests and Levites from Jerusalem, John the Baptist revealed that the Messiah was already among the people, but that he was not Him, nor was he Elijah, the promised prophet who would be sent by God to prepare the way for the Christ. The preacher simply called himself unworthy of even unlacing the Lord’s sandals, then he continued to baptize and lead the lost to repentance.
“29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
The day after his interrogation by the Jewish priests and Levites, John the Baptist saw Jesus walk toward Him and the preacher used this time to announce publicly that the man who was coming was the Messiah, God in the flesh.
He called Him “the Lamb of God,” a living reference dating back to the days of Moses when a lamb was sacrificed to save the first born in Hebrew homes when God destroyed the first born among the Egyptians. The blood of the sacrificial lamb was sprinkled above the entrance door of Jewish dwellings, which were passed over by the angel of death sent according to the Lord’s wrath over Egypt.
“30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.'” (John 1:30)
Next, John the Baptist revealed that Jesus was the One whom he had been preaching about, the Messiah and promised Savior. By saying “He was before me,” John is proclaiming that Jesus is God, the creator of the earth and all that’s in it.
“’31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.’” (John 1:31)
Even though John did not know Jesus personally, in spite of the fact they were related through their mothers, the preacher answered his calling to prepare the way for the Messiah by baptizing seekers in the Jordan river and beyond. With each water baptism, John furthered the kingdom of God and spread the good news about the coming Savior.
“32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.'” (John 1:32)
John the Baptist then shared how he witnessed the Holy Spirit enter and dwell within Jesus, who was about to start His ministry, a divinely appointed journey that would take the Christ from the waters of the Jordan river to the cross.
“33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:33-34)
Lastly, the preacher revealed it was God who foretold the coming of the Messiah when He told John the Baptist to lookout for the One who would be enlightened by the Spirit, and singled out as the Savior, the Son of God. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of John,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to live out the apostle’s writings
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through the truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of Christian faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
