Go! And Behold The Lamb Of God Series

Go! And Behold the Lamb of God

Introduction

It is a privilege and a joy to open God’s Word together today. As we continue our series on “Go! And...”, today, we focus on John 1:29-34, where John the Baptist declares Jesus to be the Lamb of God. This passage is rich with meaning, prophecy, and application for our lives today. As we explore these verses, may our hearts be drawn to Jesus in deeper worship, trust, and obedience.

Let us read from the New Living Translation:

John 1:29-34 (NLT)

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 He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’31 I did not recognise him as the Messiah, but I have been baptising with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”32 Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him.33 I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptise with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.’34 I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.”

This passage presents a powerful revelation about Jesus, and it compels us to respond. Today, we will explore three key themes from this passage:

Go! And Behold the Lamb of God.

Go! And Understand the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Go! And Testify that Jesus is the Chosen One.

1. Go! And Behold the Lamb of God

John the Baptist’s first words in verse 29 are profound: “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” The Greek word for "Look" (?de, ide) is an imperative, a command that demands attention. John is not making a casual observation; he is urging his listeners to behold Jesus with spiritual insight.

A. The Lamb of God in the Old Testament

The phrase "Lamb of God" would have resonated deeply with John’s Jewish audience. It connects to several Old Testament themes:

The Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:1-13) – The Israelites were spared from judgment by the blood of a spotless lamb. Jesus is our ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).

The Sacrificial Lamb (Leviticus 4:32-35) – The sacrificial system required a lamb without blemish to atone for sin. Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, fulfilled this requirement (Hebrews 9:12-14).

Isaiah’s Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:7) – Isaiah prophesied, “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” Jesus fulfilled this prophecy at the cross.

B. The Lamb Who Takes Away Sin

The phrase “takes away the sin of the world” is significant. The Greek word for "takes away" (a???, airo) means to lift up and remove. Jesus doesn’t just cover sin temporarily; He removes it entirely for those who trust in Him (Psalm 103:12).

Have you truly beheld Jesus as the Lamb of God? Do you trust in His sacrifice to remove your sin? Charles Spurgeon said, “Nothing but the blood of Christ will do; the best life that was ever lived, apart from the blood, is powerless to atone.”

Imagine a prisoner awaiting execution. A pardon is placed before him, yet he refuses to sign it. The gospel is the ultimate pardon—Jesus has paid the price, but each person must receive it by faith.

2. Go! And Understand the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

In verses 32-33, John testifies that he saw the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus. This was a confirmation of Jesus’ identity and His mission to baptise with the Holy Spirit.

A. The Spirit Descends and Rests

The Holy Spirit descends like a dove and remains on Jesus. In the Old Testament, the Spirit often came upon individuals temporarily (Judges 6:34, 1 Samuel 16:14), but on Jesus, He remained permanently.

B. Jesus Baptises with the Holy Spirit

John’s baptism was with water, but Jesus’ baptism is with the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for "baptise" (ßapt???, baptizo) means to immerse fully. This points to the deep, transformative work of the Spirit in the believer (Acts 1:5, Titus 3:5).

Are you living in the power of the Holy Spirit? A.W. Tozer wrote, “If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference.” We must live Spirit-filled lives.

A lamp without electricity is useless. We are like that lamp—without the Holy Spirit, we cannot shine for Christ.

3. Go! And Testify that Jesus is the Chosen One

John declares in verse 34: “I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.” The Greek word for "testify" (µa?t????, martyreo) means to bear witness. John is modelling what every believer is called to do—testify about Jesus.