John 1:29-34
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)
Jesus the perfect Sacrifice
John identifies Jesus as “the Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world. The word “sin” emphasizes the world’s collective brokenness, not individual human sins. In the Old Testament, we can see that every morning and evening, a lamb was sacrificed in the Temple for the sins of the people. To pay the penalty for sin, a life had to be given and in New Testament, our Lord Jesus, the Son of God chose to provide the sacrifice himself. The sins of the world were removed when Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice. The “sin of the world” means everyone’s sin, the sin of every human being. Jesus paid the price of our sin by his death. We can receive forgiveness by confessing our sin to him and asking for his forgiveness.
Comparison of the Baptism of John and Jesus: The passage makes a comparison between the baptism of John and Jesus. John the Baptist’s baptism with water was preparatory, because it was for repentance and symbolized the washing away of sins. Jesus by contrast, would baptize with the Holy Spirit. He would send the Holy Spirit upon all believers, empowering them to live and to teach the message of salvation.
Be a sign board to Jesus: The words of John the Baptist offer a rich witness to Jesus: He is the Lamb of God, the one who takes away the world’s sin, the preexistent one, the bearer of the Holy Spirit and the Son of God. Thus witnessing is the beginning point of faith in this gospel. John the Baptist’s job was to point people to Jesus, their long awaited Messiah. Today people are looking for someone to give them security in an insecure world. Our job is to point them to Christ and to show that he is the one whom they seek. Although John the Baptist was a well known preacher who attracted large crowds, he was content for Jesus to take the higher place. This is true humility, the basis for greatness in preaching, teaching or any other work we do for Christ. When you are content to do what God wants you to do and let Jesus Christ be honored for it, God will do great things through you.
Prayer:
Lord, grant us the courage to bear witness to you even when situations become adverse and unfavorable. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God positions you, not according to your preference, but according to his purpose.
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church