John 1:29-34

 ²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ³¹ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

³² Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. ³³ 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.’ ³⁴ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”  

Accolades

Much like catching a glimpse of a famous actor or musician, talking about someone extraordinary feels like standing close to greatness. There’s an almost magical quality to it—like their achievements or character shine so brightly, it reflects onto the one telling the story. Just as fans might gush about a celebrity’s talent or presence, people light up when describing how someone remarkable impacted them. It could be a mentor, a friend, or even a stranger who did something unforgettable—but in that moment, they are larger than life.

This kind of admiration often goes beyond surface-level appreciation. When someone speaks of a truly exceptional individual, it resonates deeply, much like someone might describe how a celebrity’s performance changed their life. It’s not just excitement; it’s connection. That person becomes an example to follow—a living reminder of excellence, resilience, or kindness. And just like seeing a famous figure can spark inspiration or joy, so too does talking about someone who, in their own extraordinary way, seems just as unforgettable.

Picking up from last week’s sermon about how John described Jesus, today we get to see how he reacted when Jesus showed up at the spot where he’d been baptizing people.

Before we dive into tonight’s passage, let’s take a moment to set the scene. John the Baptist’s story begins with a miracle—his mother Elizabeth gave birth to him in her old age. As he grew up, John lived out in the wilderness, dressed in camel’s hair, and survived on locusts and wild honey. This was probably a time of intense spiritual formation, reflecting the way the prophet Elijah lived in the Old Testament —allowing John to focus fully on God, free from the distractions that everyday life often brings.

When John began his ministry, he preached a message of repentance and baptized those who were willing to turn their hearts toward God. He didn’t hold back in calling out the Pharisees and Sadducees for their lack of true repentance and righteousness. This boldness caught people’s attention; many began to wonder, ‘Who is this man challenging the authority of those who’ve spent their lives studying the Scriptures and leading our communities?’

John’s bold style of preaching—unafraid to confront people with their shortcomings or challenge them to grow—drew crowds from all walks of life. People from Jerusalem and across the region of the Jordan came to hear this man who wasn’t afraid to rebuke those in power, whether they were soldiers, tax collectors, or religious leaders.

As impactful and attention-grabbing as John’s ministry had become, he knew his purpose wasn’t to draw attention to himself—it was to prepare the way for someone greater.”

1.  Jesus is the Lamb of God

²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 

³⁰ This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’

“The moment John the Baptist saw Jesus, he didn’t hesitate. He pointed the crowd straight to Him and declared, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ It was as if John were saying, ‘Don’t focus on me but go to Him, listen to Him! I’m not the Lamb of God; my role is simply to introduce Him.'”

What does it mean when we say “Lamb of God?”

Many of you know that in the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to offer a spotless, healthy lamb to God as a sacrifice for their sins. This wasn’t just a religious ritual; it carried deep spiritual meaning. The lamb served as a substitute, a way of saying, “God, we know we deserve judgment for our sin, but please don’t punish us: take this innocent life instead.” It was a vivid, heartbreaking reminder that sin has consequences, and that forgiveness requires a price. Every time a lamb was sacrificed, it pointed to both the seriousness of sin and the mercy of God, who made a way for His people to be forgiven.

But those sacrifices had to be repeated again and again. The lambs were temporary, symbolic stand-ins. So when John the Baptist saw Jesus and cried out, “Look, the Lamb of God,” he was making a powerful declaration. He was saying, “Here is the true Lamb—the one who will take away sin once and for all.” Jesus wasn’t just another teacher or prophet; He was the fulfillment of everything those Old Testament sacrifices pointed to. His arrival meant the ultimate sacrifice was about to be made—one that would never have to be repeated.

ILLUSTRATION:

Imagine this—you’re living in your older sibling’s house. You’re not employed, so you rely on them for food, shelter, and even your allowance. They love you deeply and provide for you out of kindness, not obligation. One morning, you set your drink down on their nice wooden table without using a coaster. It leaves a ring, and your older sibling is understandably upset. You quickly say, “I’m sorry,” and he/she forgives you.

But then, a few days later, you do it again. Another ring. Another apology. Your sibling sighs but lets it go. Then it happens a third time, a fourth time. At some point, even the most gracious person would start to question whether your apologies mean anything. If you keep repeating the same mistake over and over, will just saying “sorry” be enough? Eventually, your sibling might feel disrespected or wonder if you even care. And since you rely on them for everything, you can’t afford to ignore the rift between you. You need them, but your repeated carelessness has strained the relationship.

This is a small picture of how our sin works with God. He provides for us, loves us, and gives us life. But when we keep falling into sin, just saying “sorry” isn’t enough. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offered as a way to atone for those mistakes—like bringing something of value to say, “I know I’ve messed up, and I want to make things right.” But even those sacrifices weren’t enough to fully restore the relationship.

That’s why Jesus—the true Lamb of God—came. He became the ultimate sacrifice, the one who covers all our stains once and for all. He doesn’t just patch up our mistakes; He restores the relationship and gives us grace we could never earn on our own.

The truth is, because of our sin, we deserve separation from God; we deserve judgment. But Jesus Christ stepped in and became our substitute. He was sacrificed to atone for our sins. When He died on the cross, He paid the full penalty that we should have faced.

So the next time we sing “Lamb of God,” try to picture this: it’s as if we were the ones about to be crucified as guilty, condemned, and deserving of punishment. But just before the hammer strikes the nail, Jesus steps forward and says to the executioner “Wait—don’t punish them. I’ve already taken their place.”

That’s the power of what Jesus did for us. And yet, even though we’ve been forgiven, many of us still carry guilt from past mistakes. The enemy—the accuser—loves to whisper reminders of our failures, trying to make us feel ashamed. But when those thoughts come, remember this: Jesus is the Lamb of God. He paid the price once and for all. Your debt is canceled, and your punishment has already been taken.

So keep thanking Him. Let gratitude silence guilt. When the enemy reminds you of your shortcomings, look to the cross and say, “It’s finished. Jesus paid it all.”

Transition Sentence:

John the Baptist testified that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is the Lamb of God and…

 2. Jesus is the Son of God

³⁴ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” 

As John the Baptist taught the people, he explained Jesus in terms they could understand—he told them about Jesus according to their understanding of the Son of God. Throughout the Bible, we encounter phrases like ‘Son of Abraham,’ ‘Son of Jacob,’ and ‘Son of David’… Son of God.

“What makes the phrase ‘Son of’ so significant? For example, if someone introduces Louie as the ‘favorite son of the pastor,’ what comes to mind?”

Surely, you would imagine Louie to be as handsome as the pastor, or perhaps as kind-hearted and compassionate. Some might even expect Louie to reflect the same wisdom and leadership qualities that define his father. It’s not uncommon for people to assume that the child of a pastor should act in a certain way, as if embodying the same traits and character that the pastor is known for.

In fact, pastor’s kids often face high expectations, with others believing they should live up to the same standards of behavior and morality, as if they are destined to follow in their parent’s spiritual footsteps.

Believe it or not, just as my dad once declared that you would never see him standing behind the pulpit preaching, I too said, ‘I will never preach.’ A statement I made this when someone asked my mom, when I would start preaching back when I was a child. A statement that doesn’t hold true as you all are witnessing tonight.

The phrase ‘Son of’ holds a deep significance in Jewish tradition. When John the Baptist testified that Jesus is the Son of God, he was not merely making a statement about Jesus’ lineage, but about His divine authority and role. To the Jewish people, the phrase ‘Son of’ often implied a special connection and representation of the one named. By calling Jesus the Son of God, John was urging the people to recognize Jesus as having the same honor, authority, and reverence that they would give to God Himself.

It wasn’t just about acknowledging Jesus as a person; it was about acknowledging His divine nature and the need to respect Him in the same way they revered God. John’s declaration was a call to shift the way they saw Jesus: to see Him as not just a prophet but as the very embodiment of God’s presence on earth.

Today, people will ask: if Jesus is the Son of God, who is God’s wife? That’s the human mindset but there’s no marriage in heaven.

When John the Baptist testified that Jesus is the Son of God, it was understood as a proclamation of authority and power. The Jewish people didn’t need to question how Jesus could be the Son of God, because their focus wasn’t on the physical logistics of divine parentage, but rather on the spiritual implications. In their culture, being the ‘Son of’ someone, especially God, meant sharing in the authority and power of that figure.

So, when John declared that Jesus was the Son of God, it was understood as an affirmation of Jesus’ divine authority over all things.

The Jews knew that God was all-powerful—He created the universe, gave the law, and ruled over all creation. To call Jesus the Son of God was to acknowledge that He shared in that divine power. It wasn’t a question of how it happened or the mechanics of it; it was a recognition that Jesus, as God’s Son, possessed the same strength, authority, and power that the Jewish people attributed to God.

John’s declaration was a profound statement that Jesus wasn’t just a man but the very manifestation of God’s power on earth.

ILLUSTRATION:

There was a man who had been struggling to find work for months. One day, he heard about a rich man in a neighboring province who was looking for workers, so he decided to take the chance. Early the next morning, he set off on a long journey, traveling for five hours to reach the rich man’s impressive estate. His heart was full of hope, knowing that this might be the opportunity he had been waiting for.

When he arrived at the gates of the grand building, he was met with a long line of people who were all there to apply for a job as well. As he stood in line, he noticed that some people were being turned away. Curious, he asked one of those who had been rejected why they couldn’t enter. The person replied that in order to apply, they needed an appointment, and without one, they couldn’t be allowed inside.

Feeling discouraged, the man sat down, tired and hungry, just a few steps away from the building. His heart sank. He had traveled all this way, only to be told that without an appointment, his chances were slim. He looked around, his thoughts heavy, while children played nearby, riding their bikes and laughing without a care in the world.

One young boy, noticing the man’s sadness, approached him and asked, “Why are you so sad?” The man explained, “I’ve traveled five hours to get here. I wanted to apply for a job, but they won’t let me in without an appointment.”

The boy, with a sense of compassion that seemed beyond his years, gently took the man’s hand. “Don’t worry,” the boy said, leading him toward the entrance of the building. As they walked past the security guards, the man couldn’t believe his eyes—he was being allowed to pass through, no questions asked. They approached a door where yet another guard stood, and with a simple nod, the door opened.

Inside, they found the rich man in a meeting with his managers. When they entered, everyone paused and turned to look at the man. The rich man looked at him with a kind, yet curious gaze, and asked, “What can I do for you, my son?”

The boy spoke up confidently, “This man is my friend. He needs a job. Please, give him one.”

APPLICATION:

Billions of people around the world do not recognize Jesus as the Son of God, and as a result, they cannot fully grasp the depth of His authority and power.

However, when we pray, we have the incredible privilege to avail of Jesus’ authority and power to grant our prayers. God hears our prayers because of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom we trust as our Lord and Savior.

The more we place our trust in Jesus, the more we are able to embrace our identity as children of God and claim the rights that come with that.

The deeper our understanding of who Jesus is, the clearer our understanding becomes of God’s will and His boundless love for us.

Jesus is the Christ . . . He is interceding for us. He teaches us how to be children of God

Jesus is the Lord . . . He is waiting for us to ask Him for our needs, financially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Jesus is the Lamb of God . . . He has paid the penalty for our sins and sin has no longer any power over us.

Jesus is the Son of God . . . He is worthy to be worshiped. He is worthy to be praised… He is all powerful, and He knows our needs because He has authority over all the universe.

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