A Study Of John 1:29-42
A Study of John 1:29-42 presents the public identification of Jesus, how he is recognized as the Messiah, and John the Baptist’s descending and Jesus’ ascending ministry.
A Study of John 1:29-42 presents the public identification of Jesus
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (ESV, John 1:29)
John 1:1-14 is a biography of Jesus that begins in Genesis. It tells us he already existed at the time of creation, so he is God. But more specifically, he is the second person of the trinity, God the Son and agent of creation. He lived among us as God in human form, and yet, many people failed to recognize him. But those who did and received him became adopted children of God.
Wow! A lot of divine revelation in a few verses. And now, John the Baptist publicly identifies him and announces his mission. To save the world from sin.
The role of sacrificial lambs
The Mosaic law involved a complex system of sacrifice that included sacrificial lambs. Especially used for the atonement of sin.
For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. (ESV, Leviticus 17:11)
Sacrificial lambs were considered innocent and had to be unblemished for moral purity. They were a temporary, not a permanent fix. And regularly offered because they covered sin rather than eliminate it. The Greek word for “takes away” is airō, which means takes away, to bear, and remove. In other words, Jesus’ sacrifice is a permanent solution. It removes the sin of the “world.” And the Greek word Kosmos means all of humanity–past, present, and future.
A Study of John 1:29-42 presents how Jesus is the recognized Messiah
And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” (ESV, John 1:32-34)
John the Baptist’s role was not to just pave the way for Jesus, but to publicly identify him. However, John must firm confirm Jesus is the one he is expecting.
Throughout scripture God uses signs to authenticate, confirm, and reveal his redemptive plan. The miracles Jesus performed were signs of his divinity. And God gave John the Baptist a sign for recognizing the Messiah–he would see the Holy Spirit descend on him like a dove.
Matthew 3:13-17 and Luke 3:21-22 both record Jesus presenting himself to John the Baptist for baptism. And as Jesus exits the water, the heavens open and the Holy Spirit descends on him like a dove. Furthermore, a voice declares, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” The event confirms the prophecies in Isaiah 11:2, 42:1 and 61:1. And now, John the Baptist bears witness that Jesus fulfills all the expectations and is the Son of God.
A Study of John 1:29-42 presents John the Baptist’s descending and Jesus’ ascending ministry
Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God! (ESV, John 1:35-36)
John the Baptist enthusiastically pointed to Jesus over himself. And humbly claimed he was unworthy to even untie Jesus’ sandals. In modern terms, John the Baptist was the warm up act and Jesus the main event. John’s spotlight on Jesus included encouraging his own disciples to follow Jesus instead of him. And in this passage two make that switch. One who is identified as Andrew.
The two disciples seem tentative as they follow Jesus. So Jesus stops and asked them a question. “What are you seeking?” The Greek word for “seeking” is zēteite and means to seek, desire, strive for, aim at, and endeavor to obtain. It’s more than a casual, “What’s up, Dude?” And even, “What’s your five year plan?” But probes into their hearts. What deeper meanings in life are you searching for? When it comes to Jesus, it’s a good question for us all to reflect on. Because Jesus is the answer.
Perhaps they were caught off guard because their response was superficial. “Where are you staying? Jesus simply responds, “Come and see” which they do. And while we don’t know what their time together involved, Andrew clearly found the answers he sought. Because the next day he takes his brother, Simon, to meet Jesus. And rather than a question, Jesus makes a statement. He will call Simon by a new name. Peter. The rock.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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