Behold the Lamb of God

The Humility of John and the Supremacy of Christ

A Life-Transforming Encounter

Experiencing, Following, and Sharing Jesus

Reflection on 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! 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 (NIV)

This passage presents a profound moment in the life of John the Baptist and offers rich theological insights into Jesus’ identity and mission. John, who had been preparing the way for the Messiah, now publicly declared, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” This statement reveals the heart of Jesus’ mission: to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Unlike the Old Testament lambs that were sacrificed repeatedly, Jesus would offer a once-for-all sacrifice.

1. “The Lamb of God Who Takes Away the Sin of the World”

John’s declaration, “Look, the Lamb of God,” evokes powerful imagery from the Old Testament, particularly the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:1-30) and the sacrificial lamb in the temple rituals (Leviticus 4:32-35). The lamb symbolized innocence, purity, and atonement for sin.

By calling Jesus the Lamb of God, John points to His mission: to offer Himself as the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin. This universal scope of Jesus’ sacrifice is a reminder that no sin is too great for His forgiveness, and no person is beyond the reach of His grace. John invites us to consider our personal need for salvation and the incredible love of God who provides a way to be reconciled to Him through Jesus.

2. “He Was Before Me”

John’s statement, “A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me,” underscores Jesus’ eternal nature. Although Jesus began His earthly ministry after John, He existed long before. This points to the profound truth of Jesus’ pre-existence and divinity, as described in John 1:1-3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John’s humility in recognizing Jesus’ supremacy is striking. Though John had a large following and played a crucial role in preparing the way, he acknowledges that his purpose was always to point people to Christ.

Richard Foster, in Celebration of Discipline, adds, “Self-righteous service requires external rewards. It needs to know that people see and appreciate the effort. True service, on the other hand, rests content in hiddenness.” John’s joy was not in being seen but in fulfilling his calling to reveal the Messiah. His humility challenges us to serve with the same hidden, Christ-centered joy.

3. “The Spirit Came Down and Remained on Him”

John recalls the moment he saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus like a dove. This event, also recorded in the synoptic gospels (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22), marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and confirmed His identity as the Messiah, the Anointed One of God.

The Spirit “remaining” on Jesus is significant because it signifies His unique role as the one who would baptize not with water, but with the Holy Spirit. This is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 61:1: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.”

Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit points to the new birth that believers experience through faith in Him (John 3:5-6). It is a reminder that true transformation comes not through external rituals but through the inner work of the Spirit.

Richard Foster adds, “The aim is not simply to be filled with the Spirit, but to walk by the Spirit.” The Spirit’s presence in our lives is not a one-time event but a continual relationship that shapes our character, guides our decisions, and fuels our mission.

4. “I Have Seen and I Testify”

John concludes with a bold declaration: “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” John’s testimony was based on divine revelation and personal experience. His role as a witness is crucial, as he points others to Jesus, the one who fulfills God’s redemptive purposes.

This declaration challenges us to reflect on our own witness. Like John, we are called to testify to who Jesus is and what He has done in our lives. Our testimony, grounded in faith and experience, can point others to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

William Barclay concludes, “Christianity begins with a personal reaction to Jesus. It begins when we are confronted with Him, see in Him the one person who can answer the longing of our hearts, and give ourselves to Him.” Our testimony flows out of this personal encounter with Christ. It is not about religious duty but about sharing the joy of knowing Jesus.

Application for Today

• Behold the Lamb: Take time to meditate on Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away your sin. Consider the depth of God’s love and the cost of your redemption.

• Embrace Humility: Like John, we are called to point others to Jesus, not ourselves. True greatness in God’s kingdom comes from knowing our role and lifting up Christ.

• Live Spirit-Filled Lives: Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit, offering us the power to live transformed lives. Are we living in the fullness of that Spirit, allowing Him to guide, comfort, and empower us?

• Testify Boldly: We are witnesses of Christ in our generation. May we, like John, testify to what we have seen and experienced, leading others to behold the Lamb.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for sending Your Son, the Lamb of God, to take away our sin. Help us to behold Him daily, to live Spirit-filled lives, and to testify boldly to Your grace and truth. May we point others to Jesus, that they too may experience the joy of salvation. Amen.