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The next day [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward Him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” … And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him. I myself did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:29, 32-34)
There’s something strange going on in John 1:25-37. It looks like Jesus is hanging around in the crowds where John is baptizing. He’s not making Himself known, He’s just there, standing or walking, several days in a row—and nobody seems to notice Him.
Except for John himself! John eagerly points Him out, more than once, and tells what he saw on the day of Jesus’ Baptism. As a result of his testimony, John loses two of his own disciples to Jesus. And John is glad.
Why? I think because John has fulfilled the mission God gave him. Now the work passes to Jesus, God’s own chosen sacrifice—the Lamb who will lay down His life to save God’s people. Jesus’ work will take Him into death itself, as He takes away all our sin and guilt through His death on the cross. And then He will rise from the dead, giving life to all of us who trust Him to save and forgive us. He will baptize us with God’s Spirit, and we will be children of God forever.
WE PRAY: Lord, help me to recognize You when I’m not expecting You! Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- Why do you think Jesus was hanging around in the crowds that way?
- What was the result of His presence?
- When has Jesus shown up in your own life unexpectedly? What happened?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
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