John 1:29-34

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Scripture: 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.” [1]

Devotion

            In the biblical timeline we have moved ahead one day. Yesterday John the Baptist declared that he was not the Christ. He was “a voice crying in the wilderness make straight the way of the Lord.” Today John sees Jesus near where he is baptizing the people.

            John says of Jesus “behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” With this John reveals Jesus as the messiah. The one who will save all people from their sins. He goes on to declare that Jesus was the preexistent one the very one and only son of God. Jesus is then baptized by John. John declares that he sees the Holy Spirit come down like a dove and remain on Jesus. And hears a voice saying; “this is my son with whom I am well pleased.” John then tells us he is a witness to this thing that has taken place.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to understand the true meaning of today’s scripture. This was not just another baptism. John the Baptist gives witness to the fact that the son of God has presented himself for baptism. The heavens have been opened and the Spirit has descended on Jesus along with a voice from the heavens declaring this marvelous event. Help us to wrap our feeble minds around such a wonderful thing. A savior sent to redeem his people has begun his ministry by submitting to baptism. Help us to remember our baptism into Christ and be thankful.


[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Jn 1:29–34.

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