BACKGROUND
Just so you are not confused, John the Baptist is NOT the author of the gospel of this book. You will remember he is Jesus' distant cousin, the son of Elizabeth and Zacharias (Luke 1). He also did not live to write anything down. For more background about the author of the book of John, click on "The Four Gospels" link above. (I once had a "not yet believer" tell me in a study of the book of John that there were entirely too many Johns and Marys in the book, and she was hopelessly confused. LOL!)
19. John the Baptist declares his mission: John 1:19-28
The city leaders wanted to know who John was, so they sent the priests and Levites to check Him out. He was not the Light but he bore witness (testified) to the light. Witness/testify is a keyword in the book of John (1:15, 32, 34, 3:11, 26; 5:31-32, 36-37; 18:37; 19:35; etc.). John the Baptist was the forerunner to Jesus. Even though He had an "Elijah-like" ministry of pointing people back to God, he was not Elijah. He was merely the voice in the wilderness, making way for Jesus (Isaiah 40:3) to whom he was not even worthy to do the most menial of service (tying a sandal). John knew his place in the whole scheme of things.
20. John the Baptist proclaims Jesus as the Messiah: John 1:29-34
Listen to this meditation by Pray as You Go. (The Scripture portion starts at 6:05, but the music prior to it is beautiful!)
John's job was to testify. Thus, he proclaimed:
"Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
John 1:29 is a key verse to memorize. If you have been in the Bible Book Club, this ties the Old Testament to the New Testament. For more background on the "lamb of God," see the REFLECTION section.
John testified that Jesus was the Messiah as confirmed by the Spirit coming down from heaven and remaining on Him at His baptism. The book of John does not record the actual event of Jesus' baptism, but he refers to it here.
REFLECTION - The Lamb of God
This is where our study of the Old Testament really comes in handy and The Scarlet Thread of Redemption flows seamlessly together! Please read the background study in Exodus 12 for an explanation of the Passover lamb!
APPLICATION
Memorize and meditate on John 1:1, 14, and 29 today!
PRAYER
Here is the section of Handel's Messiah that contains this part of Scripture. Let it lead you into prayer:
We praise You God for sending the Lamb of God who takes away our sin. Amen!
"Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" I just got what I call a "Holy Spirit tingle" when I though about this verse. I especially like it in Handel's Messiah. I love how the different voices in the chorus say it over and over in waves crashing in one after another. It is so beautiful, and I want to behold the Lamb this early Sunday morning. Praise God for his perfect timing to meet me here with a manifestation of His wonderful presence.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to a performance of that chorus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gyvqas2Nv9g
DeleteI want to spend some time contemplating the Lamb of God. What would it have been like to see Him like John did? This is the one they had been waiting for! WOW!
ReplyDelete