As we return to the study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse 1:29. Writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John writes:
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. This is the One I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me. I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.’ Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him. And I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.’ ” (John 1: 29-34).
The children of Israel had been promised and taught for 400 years that the Prophet Elijah would come to announce the coming of the Messiah. The Word says, “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” (Malachi 4: 5,6)
Jesus said John the Baptist was the prophet Elijah. He said, “For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Matthew 11: 13-15)
John the Baptist had been born for this moment. He was born to ‘announce’, to ‘herald the fact’ that Jesus was indeed ‘The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’ He was the Prophet who had been sent to prepare the hearts of the people to receive the Messiah.
The Gospel of John does not detail the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, but we see in the Gospel of Matthew this account: While John was baptizing in the Jordan, Jesus went to be baptized. The Word says, “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’ ( Matthew 3:16, 17.)
John the Baptist saw and heard these things. It confirmed what he had been told by God would happen. There was no doubt in his mind. Jesus, is the Messiah. Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God sent by our God of Love to save us from destruction. John the Baptist proclaimed it to all who would hear. Let it be so for us as God opens the door of opportunity.
May you have a wonderful day, blessed in every way as you walk in Him, God’s Beloveds.
Poppa B.