He's Here!

It was no doubt a great day for John the Baptist. He had been baptizing in the Jordan River when he first saw him. But he was not surprised by him. John expected to see him at some time - he just didn't know when. In fact, I'm pretty sure that his mother Elizabeth spoke of him often. She knew that he was the expected one - that he was coming to cleanse her and her son of their sin. He was John's cousin.

But what would he look like? John had been in the wilderness for so long. It was most likely that he had not seen Jesus for quite a long time. Would he recognize him?

As John the Baptist was baptizing followers, he saw Jesus coming towards him. His response was simple and succinct:

"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 ranks before me, because he was before me.' I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." What an incredible declaration! The "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world?" And John bore witness: "I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God." (John 1:29-34)

John bore witness of who Jesus Christ is. He proclaimed that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He didn't mince words and he certainly didn't waste words. He simply had been waiting for years to see this one opportunity come to fruition...and it did!

But notice how John the Baptist began to wonder if he was right or not:

"The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. (John 1:35-37)

He knew who Jesus was at this time. He knew that this was he was the One who would come after him. However, you can sense some hesitation in John's voice at this time. And although there was hesitation, his disciples followed after Jesus. That in itself is amazing to think that they heard what John said and they all of a sudden followed after Jesus. Was there doubt in their minds? Could it be that John had been in the wilderness too long and he just didn't know what he was speaking? No, these two disciples chose to follow Jesus and to learn from him. See what happens next:

Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?" And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and you will see." So they came and saw where he was staying and they stayed with him that day for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter). (John 1:38-42)

They followed him and they called others to come to him. Jesus had a profound impact on them. But what about John? He pointed these men to Jesus Christ as the Messiah - the long-expected One. Was he still hesitant? Did he still wonder about who Jesus is? Read what John said:

"You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.' The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:28-30)

Not an iota of doubt was in the Baptizer. He knew of whom he was speaking. He knew that Jesus was truly the Messiah - the Anointed One - the Savior - the King - the Lord - God Himself.

As you celebrate Christmas this year, make sure to point people to Jesus Christ. He's here! Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!