“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.’”‭‭John‬ ‭1:29-30‬ ‭NIV‬‬
When you put everything behind you and start following Jesus, he will be before you!! And with you all the time.

John 1:19-34 Both John the Baptist & Jesus knew their life purpose statement. John the Baptist’s purpose is to make straight the way of the Lord (v. 23) and Jesus’ is to offer himself as a sacrifice for the sin of the world (v. 29). God has created everyone with a purpose.

John 1:19-34 John was a man with a purpose, people asked him questions which could have led to so many thoughts. However, he was very clear to declare his purpose and pointed others towards Jesus.

‘Christ is the cake and we are just the frosting’… Like John I testify/ reflect the greater light to bring people to the real light.

Though JTB knew his purpose he did not know who the lamb of God was till he had baptized Jesus. He had to do his ministry in faith. We might think he could have done a better job of testifying if he had known before who the lamb of God was, after all they have met when they were in their mothers’ wombs. God works differently.

John 1:33 God revealed John the purpose of his life, likewise God will show us too the purpose of our life.

John was humble enough to accept his calling.Even when the pharisees asked him if he was Christ or Prophet he clearly said who he was and who he was.John 1:20,23

John put himself as inconsequential.. was not seeking recognition or glory. ‘I am nothing.. Jesus is the one you need to follow and listen. I am just the one pointing you to the right destination. Don’t look at me .. look at Him’In our lives and culture.. how often do we move ourselves back and only point the attention to the right things and right people? When an important person is on the stage.. are we also wanting to be on the stage? Do we try to be the first speaker.. the first person who gave the garland to the pastor/bishop/political leader? Do we look to gain grace/’celebrity’ by association? and being in the front?

John The Baptist didn’t see Jesus’s life, sermons, miracles, healing, sufferings, crucifixion and resurrection yet, but still he knew Jesus above all these, which made him to say, “I am not worthy to untie his shoes” Vs27

John The Baptist said “I am not”, Jesus says ” I am “, this is the difference between John and Jesus. When we think “I can” ” I am”, that is the start of pride. Without Him we are nothing. See John’s humbleness in verse 27. ” I am not worthy to untie “

1. The spirit not just descended on Him but remained ( mentioned twice 32,33). a key sign and difference between Jesus and others men of OT. In OT, Spirit comes and goes. This is why John was sure probably. 2. In the beginning of Genesis, the spirit was “hovering over” waters and God spoke a word.Here we see the Spirit “landing/remaining/settling” when out of water comes Jesus the ultimate Word. The new creation has began. Light (Jesus) comes into the darkness.

vJohn 1:31….. he might be revealed to Israel…..John used all the opportunity that offered to lead people to Christ. In the same way, we should be ready to lead more people to Christ with whatever opportunity we have or we make…..

(v23) JTB says I’m just the voice…, God used his voice to reveal to Israel “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (v29).Let us also be a voice, God will use us too to fulfill His purpose.
“He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1:23, 33‬ ‭KJV‬‬
Behold God is looking for a person to preach the gospel in the wilderness not in the pulpit, he wants some one to carry his message to the unreached(wilderness) to be baptized in the spirit,
who is going to be that one?

“Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” Jesus came into the world to forgive our sins.

When Jews and Levites pressured John to find more about him, He was not carried away but had a clear calling in his life. Even though he haven’t meet Jesus he was able to quickly identify, because of HIM who sent him. In the same way we all should have a clear calling and direct relationship with GOD

1. John the Baptist was given a superior job of baptizing people and telling the word of God. Though he knew He was sent from God he stayed humble and he kept on preparing God’s way as destined.
2. God has given everyone a unique role to play, it might be a superior one or not, but we must be humble to fulfill his calling.

The priests and Levites asked John, are you the Messiah. John was truthful and said no. We should be truthful to others.

33 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.’ – We try to stay away from the topic of Baptism due to many controvercies around this topic. Nothing wrong in that. But let me share my thoughts.
I take Baptism like Marriage Engagement. There is mutual commitment in that. The ceremony is to declare to the world that I got engaged for the Holy Marriage with The Lamb. This is what we do when we dip in water in public. Jesus Christ accepts our proposal through confirmation called Baptism in Holy Spirit. He is the only one authorized to do that. That is why He said I AM THE WAY.