At a Public Gathering
Opening Prayer
God, wash and cleanse my heart today.
Read John 1:29–34
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
9 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.”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
If someone asked you today who Jesus is, how would you respond?It is the day after John told the crowds about the man who was soon to come, whose sandals he was not worthy to untie. He spots Jesus walking towards him. “There he is!” he cries out in excitement.
Many in the crowd may wonder, so who is this man? What is so special about him? Let’s see what John has to say. He gives at least four descriptions of Jesus. See if you can spot them.
John calls Jesus “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (29) and he says Jesus is the reason for his way of life (31). He then describes Jesus as the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit (33). He concludes with the bold statement, “I testify this is the Son of God” (34).
What’s your response to these statements about Jesus? Have you asked Jesus to take away
your sin? Is he the reason for the way you live? Are you aware of the Holy Spirit at work in your life? Do you know, beyond any shadow of doubt, that he is the Son of God?
Apply
Take time to answer these questions. Write down your thoughts and take time to pray
or study until you find the answers.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that You came to take away my sin. Help me to worship You as the one and only Son of God.
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