When questioned about his identity, John the Baptizer refused the spotlight. He was not the Christ. He was not the hero. He was only “a voice.” Then he pointed and said of Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
What John Saw
The Lamb — Jesus is the sacrifice who removes sin. He doesn’t just manage guilt.
The Eternal One — “He was before me.” Jesus is not merely human; He is Lord.
The Spirit-Anointed Son — The Spirit rests on Him, and He baptizes with the Spirit. He gives new life.
Why It Matters
We are tempted to:
Make life about ourselves. Reduce Jesus to a helpful teacher. Try to fix our guilt through effort.
John shows a better way:
Point away from yourself. Look steadily at Christ.
Trust the Lamb to deal with your sin.
The Christian life begins and continues with one command: Behold Him.
When you behold Jesus:
Pride shrinks. Fear loosens. Assurance grows. Mission becomes clear.
Today, don’t merely admire Jesus from a distance.
- Rest in Him as your Lamb.
- Receive Him as your Son of God.
- Walk in the power of the Spirit He gives.
The greatest prophet called himself a voice.
May our lives do the same — pointing others to the Lamb who takes away our sin.
Prayer:
Father in heaven,
We confess how easily we look to ourselves — our effort, our performance, our reputation — instead of beholding Your Son. Forgive us for carrying a burden of guilt and shame that He has already come to remove.
Thank You for sending Jesus, the true Lamb of God, who takes away our sin. Thank You that He is eternal, powerful, and full of the Spirit — and that He gives new life to all who trust in Him.
Teach us to decrease, like John, so that Christ would increase in us. Fix our eyes on Him today. Quiet our fears. Cleanse our consciences. Fill us with Your Spirit.
Make our lives a clear voice pointing others to the Lamb.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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