Why Did John Call Jesus the "Lamb of God"? John 1:29-34

John Testifies About Jesus

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.”

John has a chance the next day to practice what he had preached the day before.  When John announces to everyone who Jesus is, he is fulfilling his role as the greatest prophet ever.  He says the words, "Look the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."  

Most of you know that in the Old Testament, the innocent and spotless lamb of God was taken from the flock and offered at the end Passover festival for the forgiveness of sin.  It was the blood of the lamb that covered the Israelites' sin.  As the scriptures say, "There is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood." Hebrews 9:22

As the priest placed his hands on the innocent lamb, the transgressions of the people were placed on its head to atone for the sins of the people.  And now this role was being given to Jesus.  He would be the innocent lamb of God, who took upon himself the sin of the world.

"In this one sentence, John the Baptist summarized the greatest work of Jesus: to deal with the sin problem afflicting the human race. Every word of this sentence is important." (Guzik)

Notice an important phrasse, "Who takes away the SIN of the WORLD".  "Sin" is not plural but singular.  The entire of sin of all humanity would be placed on Jesus.  The whole world, not just Israel, but all people, all nations, and all tribes.  For God so loved the WORLD! 

Finally, John testifies to the impartation of the Spirit upon Jesus when he was baptized.  While John's baptizing was done with water as a symbol of cleansing, Jesus was baptized by the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit came down out of heaven and rested on him.  

“If the cleansing with water was associated with John’s ministry, the bestowal of the Spirit was reserved for the one greater than John.” (Bruce)

Though Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth (see Luke 1:15, Luke 4:14, and Matthew 4:1), this was a specific manifestation of the Spirit for all to see.  The word "baptism" means to completely cover, or immerse.  Jesus' baptism immerses us in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Many also see that this event inaugurated Jesus' public ministry, as it happens in all four gospels.  

That John saw the Holy Spirit as a dove literally resting on Jesus was a confirmation for John the Baptist and others of Isaiah's prophecy in 11:2,

"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him,The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord."

"Witnesses are not neutral – they are committed to the truth of their testimony, or they are unreliable witnesses. John was a reliable witness, and knew who Jesus was because of what he saw with his own eyes." (Guzik)

Why was this such an imporant moment in Jesus' life?  If Jesus needed the Holy Spirit to carry out the Father's will in his life, how much more do we?  Do you remember your own baptism?  Was there a mention of the Holy Spirit?  How does the Holy Spirit work in your life, reminding you of who you are and the power you have living inside of you? 




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