This message explores the witness of John the Baptist, who knows he is not the Messiah, but the one running ahead of and pointing to the Messiah, who is the Lamb of God.
(John 1:19-34)
Sermon Outline
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29) John the Baptist Knew Who He Was Not and Who He Was (John 1:19-23)
Not the Messiah
- Not Elijah (Malachi 4:5-6)
- Not the Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:18)
- The voice calling out in the wilderness (Isaiah 40:3)
→ How do we come to clarity about who we are?
John’s Baptism (John 1:24-28)
- What was John doing with his baptism?
- Sign of Repentance
- Sign of Conversion
- Revelation of Jesus (cf. 1:31)
- What is baptism for us today?
- Identify with Jesus
- Celebrate salvation through Jesus
- Live out sanctification by Jesus
→ How has baptism become part of our journey with God?
Jesus of Nazareth: God’s Lamb, Spirit-Anointed, God’s Chosen One (John 1:29-34)
Jesus as the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12; Isaiah 53:7; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:6)
- Jesus as the One on whom God’s Spirit abides (Isaiah 61:1f; Luke 3:21-22; 4:14-21)
- Jesus as God’s Chosen One (Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 42:1)
→ Who do we say Jesus is?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- When have you realized that someone else was better for a task or job than you? How did you help them or others realize that?
- This week we begin a new sermon series “Look for the Signs,” which is the second part of our extended journey through the Gospel of John. This week we focus on John 1:19-34. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read that passage aloud.
- In verses 19-21, John reflects his awareness that he is not a certain person people are looking for or expecting. Who does John say he is not? What does this tell us about John’s sense of identity and calling? How do you think John came to clarity on his identity and role?
- With verses 22-27, John does give some clarification about who he truly is. What does he say?
- What do you think it means for us as followers of Jesus to be able to have a realistic sense of who we are and who we’re not? How do we gain that and maintain that in life?
- In verses 28-31, John begins to testify to who he understands Jesus to be. That begins by John describing Jesus as “the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” What do you think that would have meant to those listening? What do you think that means for us today?
- Next, in verses 32-34, John talks about the Holy Spirit’s role in Jesus’ calling and identity. What does John say and what does that tell us about Jesus?
- What is one thing you sense God is bringing to your attention through this week’s study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
Exploring Faith
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John calls Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” As you explore faith, what do you think about the idea of sin needing to be taken away by God? Do you think the world needs help? Why? Would you say that you need help? What type of help would that be?
Growing in Faith
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Take a moment to consider the following portions of Scripture and note characteristics of John the Baptist. What would you say it is about John that makes him ideal as a witness to Jesus? (John 1:15; 1:19-28; 1:29-34; 1:35-38; 3:22-36)
Centered in Faith
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What does it look for you in your daily life to tell people around you to look to Jesus? Are there some specific people you sense God is telling you to share the message of Jesus with? How might you do that in this coming week? Pray about it.