John 1:24-29 CSB
Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. [25] So they asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you aren't the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?" [26] "I baptize with water," John answered them. "Someone stands among you, but you don't know him. [27] He is the one coming after me, whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to untie." [28] All this happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. [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!"
Take Away our Sins
Oh, how wonderful our Lord is. The Old Testament was written about Him, and the New Testament describes His deeds and the lives of those who follow Him so that we might believe.
The Pharisees, who numbered about 6,000 at the time, were laymen, not priests. While they zealously followed the Mosaic law, they also added their own traditions outside of the Word of God. They were the religious-political party of the day, along with the Sadducees. Although the Jewish people highly esteemed them, Jesus consistently unmasked their hypocrisy.
When I look at the state of the world today—the infighting between political groups and the lies so often told—I can see how people still run after power and selfishly guard it. The Pharisees were no different; they wanted the esteem of the people and the glory. Very few had room in their hearts for the Messiah to rule.
When I look at the wrongs of others, I must always see if these same characteristics are in my own heart. It is easy to run after the things of this world and seek the acclaim of those around us while forgetting, or being afraid, to live and testify about our faith. We must be careful not to lose the “salt and light” we are called to be. We risk denying the Lord when we choose the favor of others over our commitment to Him.
John came to baptize, making it clear who Jesus is. He called for repentance in the wilderness, and people came to him in droves. This region, known as “Bethany beyond the Jordan,” is an area on the eastern bank near the Dead Sea. Marked by springs and the river itself, it symbolizes cleansing and new beginnings.
John the Baptist said plainly, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Many passages in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 53, indicate that the Messiah would be like a lamb led to the slaughter for His people. How precious is the Lamb of God who took the place for our sins. Every knee should drop to the ground and every head bow when we contemplate what the Lord has done for us.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do you find yourself seeking the “favor of others” instead of standing firm in your faith?
- Looking at the “religious-political” spirit of the Pharisees, how can we ensure our hearts stay focused on the Messiah’s rule rather than our own status or power?
- “Bethany beyond the Jordan” symbolized a new beginning for many. Is there an area of your life where you need the Lamb of God to bring a “new beginning” today?
Prayer
Father,
We bow our heads in awe of the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Forgive us for the times we have sought the praise of people instead of Your glory. Search our hearts and remove any “Pharisee” spirit that tries to take root. Thank You for the gift of a new beginning and for carrying the weight of our sins so we don’t have to. Help us to walk as Your salt and light today.
Amen.
