John 1:19-34


"And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, 'Who are you?' He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, 'I am not the Christ.' And they asked him, 'What then? Are you Elijah?' He said, 'I am not.' 'Are you the Prophet?' And he answered, 'No.' So they said to him, 'Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?' He said, 'I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of the Lord," as the prophet Isaiah said.' (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, 'Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?' John answered them, 'I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.' These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 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.' And John bore witness: 'I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 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." And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.'" (John 1:19-34 ESV)


John the Baptist: The Voice in the Wilderness

In this passage, we see the ministry of John the Baptist as the forerunner to Jesus. When asked by the religious leaders who he was, John made it clear that he was not the Christ, Elijah, or the expected Prophet. Rather, he identifies himself as "the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord'" (v. 23), fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah 40:3. John’s humility is evident in his response. His role was to point to someone greater than himself—Jesus, the Messiah. John exemplifies the heart of true discipleship: exalting Christ above all else and directing others to Him. He knew his mission was to prepare the way for the Lord, not to seek glory for himself.

John’s answer also teaches us the importance of knowing our identity in Christ. He knew he was called to be a servant, to clear the path for Jesus, and to magnify the One who was coming after him. As disciples, we are called to do the same—to live in such a way that others are directed to Christ, not to ourselves. Like John, we must decrease so that Christ may increase (John 3:30).

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 40:3, John 3:30, Luke 1:76-79, 1 Peter 5:6


Behold, the Lamb of God

John’s declaration, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (v. 29) reveals Jesus’ true mission: to be the sacrificial Lamb. In the Old Testament, the lamb was a symbol of sacrifice for sin, particularly during the Passover (Exodus 12:1-14). Jesus fulfills this role perfectly as the Lamb who would be slain for the sins of humanity. John’s announcement points to the redemptive work of Christ, reminding us that our salvation is not based on our works, but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

This truth is central to the Gospel. Jesus came to take away the sin of the world—not just to offer moral teaching or set a good example, but to deal with the root problem of sin. As disciples, our lives should be marked by gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ. We rely completely on Him for the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life. Additionally, as John proclaimed Jesus to the crowds, we are called to point others to the Lamb of God, who alone can bring salvation.

Scriptures to Study:

Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Isaiah 53:7, Revelation 5:6-9


The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

John testified that he saw the Spirit descend on Jesus like a dove and remain on Him (v. 32). This was the divine sign confirming that Jesus is the Messiah. John also contrasts his baptism with water to Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit (v. 33). While John’s baptism symbolized repentance, Jesus would baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit, empowering them for a new life in Him. This was fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2) when the Holy Spirit descended on the believers, equipping them to carry out Christ’s mission on earth.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is essential for discipleship. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are born again, and it is the Spirit who empowers us to live for Christ, bear witness to Him, and walk in victory over sin. As believers, we are not left to struggle in our own strength; the Holy Spirit guides, comforts, convicts, and strengthens us for the journey of faith. Our reliance on the Spirit is key to walking in the fullness of life that Jesus promises.

Scriptures to Study:

Matthew 3:16-17, Acts 1:4-5, Acts 2:1-4, Titus 3:5-6


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