Jan 18 Divine Service
- NAC News
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.”
John 1: 29-31
Where are we in the Bible?
We find ourselves standing on the banks of the Jordan River, in the opening chapter of the Gospel according to John. The leaders in Jerusalem have sent a delegation (priests and Levites) to investigate a man causing quite a stir in the wilderness: John the Baptist. John is a preacher outside the religious mainstream. He is not found in the temple courts or among the scribes, but out in the desert, proclaiming a message of repentance and readiness. His message is eschatological; he speaks of the coming judgment, and the restoration God has promised.
In this passage, their interrogation of John the Baptist unfolds in two parts. First, they ask about his identity (1:19–23): “Who are you?” Is he the Messiah? Elijah? The Prophet? John answers plainly that he is none of these, only a voice crying out in the wilderness,
preparing the way of the Lord. Then, they question his activity (1:24–28): “Why then do you baptize?” What authority does he have to do this? John points them away from himself and toward the One who is already among them, One far greater than he. And
when Jesus finally appears (1:29–34), John’s voice grows clear and certain. Though he is humble about his own identity, he is bold about who Jesus is. He identifies Him first as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,” and then as the One “upon whom the Spirit descended,” and “the Son of God.”
What are the key themes based on the Bible verse
Knowing who Jesus Christ is
Knowing who we are
Foundational readings:
Scripture John 1: 1-34 | Catechism 8.2.4, 3.4.8.2
January sermon theme connection article click here to read
New Year message from the Chief Apostle NAC USA YouTube
Comments