Yesterday we saw who John was and what his business was, today we will see his job come to fruition. 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.”
I wonder if John was shocked when he saw Jesus walking towards him that day? Remember John is intently aware that Jesus is so much greater than he is.
Regardless of what might have passed through his mind the first thing that came out of his month was “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” He immediately acknowledged Christ for who he is and told everyone around him. He then continued saying “ 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.” John’s whole purpose eh? To let people know that Christ was here, revealing him to the people of Israel. Acknowledging Christ’s supremacy.
In the book of John we aren’t shown Jesus’ baptism, but it is alluded to. John saw the Spirit descend on him. He recalled being told that the one he saw this happen to would baptize with the Holy Spirit, unlike John who only baptizes with water. This knowledge led John to testify to what he knew. Jesus was the Son of God.
I read those words and you know what comes to mind?
Do I tell others what I know of the Lord? Do I speak to what I know to be true? It makes me wonder what stops me when I am talking to those in my sphere of influence. It’s not like I don’t know the truth of God, of the truth of Christ. So what stops me so often? Something I must ponder and come to terms with so it is no longer a hindrance to me.
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