1. John's proclamation of the Lamb of God (29-31)

John testified that Jesus is the Lamb whom God provided (Ge 22) to take away the sins of the world. The Passover lamb (Ex 12:3,7,13) and the lambs of sacrifice in Exodus 29:38-46 look forward to his coming. In the Old Testament sacrificial system, blood was offered to atone for sin (Lev 17:11). This sacrificial system finds its fulfillment and meaning in Jesus. God takes sin seriously. He made a costly plan to save people oppressed by the power of sin and death, and bring them to himself. Anyone who repents of sin and accepts Jesus as his Savior is forgiven his sins, and becomes a child of God.

2. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit (32-34)

John baptized repentant sinners with water so that Jesus might be revealed. Jesus is the eternal Word (30). He is the Son of God (34). Jesus is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit to make forgiven sinners fruitful children of God. When John baptized Jesus, the Holy Spirit identified him as the Christ, the Son of God. John became the first witness to Jesus.

Application: Lord, I lay my sins on you. Cleanse me and fill me with your Spirit.
One Word: Look, the Lamb of God