Seven Minutes With Jesus for Men: Applying the Gospel of John to Everyday LifeSample

Have you ever had to testify as a witness during a trial? If you have, you know that you were sworn to tell the truth about your observations or experiences.

John the Baptist is testifying about Jesus Christ. When John the Baptist sees Jesus, he exclaims: “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NLT). As you read today’s and tomorrow’s sections in the Gospel of John, you will notice that on back-to-back days, John gives identical testimony about Jesus. (See John 1:35.) John is adamant that Jesus is the “Lamb of God” and convinced that Jesus will take away the world’s sin.

The Old Testament refers to a lamb 96 times, with 85 of those occurrences signifying a sacrifice. What is also interesting is the connection John the Baptist’s family has to the Old Testament sacrificial system. If you remember, John the Baptist’s father, Zechariah, was a Jewish priest in the temple of Jerusalem. (See Luke 1:5–25.) He was actually in the sanctuary performing his priestly duties when God revealed to him that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son named John the Baptist. John the Baptist was raised in the context of the sacrificial system, making him well-acquainted with the ritual of lamb sacrifices. When John identifies Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” he testifies that God sent Jesus to be the final sin offering for the world.

Additionally, John the Baptist and Jesus were most likely related. John the Baptist’s mother, Elizabeth, and Jesus’ mother, Mary, were related. Therefore, it adds to the credibility of John the Baptist’s testimony that he knows Jesus personally and understands what the sacrifice of lambs signifies. John the Baptist is an eyewitness testimony to lambs and the Lord. Knowing this, he confirms that Jesus is God’s Son. He is sure that Jesus’ sacrifice will solve our sin problem!

Application:

Are you convinced that Jesus is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?” (John 1:29 NLT). In what ways are you a witness for Him?

Prayer:

Lamb of God, thank You for sacrificing Your life to take away my sin. Help me be strong enough to testify boldly that Jesus, You are the Son of God.