📖 Passage

John 1:29–34 Read John 1:29-34 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

The day after his interrogation by the religious leaders, John the Baptist publicly identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God. This title connects Jesus to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, especially the Passover lamb whose blood protected Israel (Exodus 12) and the suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 who bears the sins of many. John’s testimony emphasizes Jesus’ preexistence, His role in removing sin, and the visible confirmation of His identity when the Spirit descended on Him at baptism. This moment marks the transition from John’s preparatory ministry to the Messiah’s public work.

🌿 Key Themes

• Jesus as the Lamb of God — He is the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin.

• Removal of Sin — Christ’s work addresses the world’s greatest problem.

• Spirit’s Confirmation — The Holy Spirit descends to authenticate Jesus as the Messiah.

• John’s Role as Witness — His mission is to reveal Jesus to Israel.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

John 1:29

"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

• Sacrificial Imagery — Draws from Passover (Exodus 12) and Isaiah 53.

• Universal Scope — Christ’s atonement is sufficient for all, effective for those who believe.

• Messianic Revelation — John publicly declares Jesus’ mission.

John 1:30

"This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me...'"

• Preexistence of Christ — Jesus existed before John despite being born later.

• Superiority Recognized — Jesus’ eternal nature gives Him preeminence.

• Prophetic Fulfillment — Aligns with John’s earlier testimony (John 1:15).

John 1:31

"I myself did not know him..."

• Progressive Revelation — John knew Jesus as a relative but did not fully grasp His role until God revealed it.

• Purpose of Baptism — John’s ministry was to make Jesus known to Israel.

• Divine Assignment — John acts in obedience to God’s plan.

John 1:32

"I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him."

• Messianic Anointing — The Spirit’s descent fulfills Isaiah 11:2.

• Permanence — “Remained” shows an enduring anointing, not a temporary visitation.

• Visible Sign — Confirms Jesus’ divine commissioning.

John 1:33

"He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain..."

• Divine Confirmation — God gave John a sign to identify the Messiah.

• Baptism with the Holy Spirit — Jesus’ baptism is transformative, imparting spiritual life.

• Distinct from John’s Baptism — Marks the greater work of the new covenant.

John 1:34

"I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."

• Personal Witness — John speaks from firsthand revelation.

• Messianic Identity — Jesus is uniquely God’s Son, not merely a prophet or teacher.

• Testimony to Israel — John’s witness prepares hearts for belief.

🔍 Trusted Insight

D.A. Carson notes that the title “Lamb of God” unites the themes of Passover deliverance, daily temple sacrifices, and Isaiah’s suffering Servant, presenting Jesus as the one who fulfills all sacrificial imagery in Himself.
Summary: Jesus is revealed as the divinely appointed sacrifice who removes sin and baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

🧩 Review Questions

1. What Old Testament backgrounds help explain the title “Lamb of God”?
2. How does the Spirit’s descent confirm Jesus’ messianic identity?
3. Why does John emphasize that Jesus existed before him?
4. How does this passage highlight the uniqueness of Jesus’ ministry compared to John’s?

🔍 Definitions

• Lamb of God — Title for Jesus emphasizing His sacrificial role in removing sin.

• Baptize with the Holy Spirit — To impart spiritual life and power through the Spirit’s work.

• Son of God — Divine title indicating Jesus’ unique relationship with the Father.

🙋 Application Questions

1. How should the truth that Jesus is the Lamb of God affect your view of sin and salvation?

2. In what ways can you bear witness to Christ like John did?

3. How does the Spirit’s role in Jesus’ ministry encourage your own walk with God?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• Amnos (Lamb) — Sacrificial lamb, symbolizing innocence and atonement.

• Aireō (Takes Away) — To remove or lift away completely.

• Menō (Remain) — To abide or dwell permanently.

• Huios Theou (Son of God) — Title expressing divine identity and authority.

📚 Cross References

• Exodus 12:3–14 — The Passover lamb saves Israel from judgment.

• Isaiah 53:7 — The Servant is led like a lamb to the slaughter.

• Isaiah 11:2 — The Spirit of the Lord rests upon the Messiah.

• Matthew 3:16–17 — The Spirit descends and the Father affirms the Son.

• 1 Peter 1:18–19 — Redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish.

  📦 Next Study

Next Study: John 1:35–51