John the Baptist Identifies Jesus
Scripture Reading — John 1:29-34
"Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29
John, who was born miraculously to aged parents (Luke 1:11-18), had the mission of preparing the way for Christ, the Messiah. As a preacher, he drew great crowds. He denounced people's sins, called for repentance, and baptized many who turned back to God.
The high point in John's life came when he was baptizing at the Jordan River and Jesus approached him. John called out, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" He also explained, "This is the Son of God."
A low point came, however, when John was in prison and began to wonder if Jesus really was the Messiah. John sent friends to find out, and Jesus assured him by saying that the sick were being healed, the dead were being raised, and the good news of God's kingdom was being preached.
The first time we read the word "lamb" in the Old Testament, the speaker is Isaac, and he is asking his father, "Where is the lamb for the [sacrifice]?" (Genesis 22:7). In the New Testament at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, we see this word again as John announces, "Look, the Lamb of God ..."
John pointed us to Jesus, the Son of God, as the Lamb who came to meet our deepest need by becoming the sacrifice for all our sin.
Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Lamb of God, the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Take away my doubts, I pray, and strengthen me to serve you always. Amen.
About the author — Roger S. Greenway
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!