In John 1:29-34 we learn more about who Jesus is. The day after the scribes and Levites questioned John, Jesus approached him. The very One John was sent to prepare the way for was now coming toward him. Without hesitation, John proclaimed, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Takes Away Sin
By calling Jesus the Lamb of God, John evokes rich Old Testament imagery. In the Passover (Exodus 12), Israelite families in Egypt were spared God’s judgment through the blood of a lamb. Lambs also played a central role in Israel’s sacrificial system. Likewise, Isaiah foresaw a suffering servant who would be “like a lamb led to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53). In both this Gospel and in Revelation, John consistently calls Jesus the Lamb, a title that points to both His sacrifice and His triumph over sin and death.
The phrase “takes away the sin of the world” reveals the scope of Jesus’ mission. He came not only for Israel but for the entire world. This does not mean that all people will automatically be saved, but that the offer of salvation is made to everyone. Later we learn that all who believe in Him will be given eternal life and become children born of God.
Jesus Is Greater
John then declared that Jesus is greater than he is, “because He was before me.” The Greek word protos, translated as “before,” can refer either to being first in time or first in rank. In Jesus’ case, both are true. As the eternal The Word Became Flesh, Jesus existed before John. And as the Christ, He surpasses John in honor and authority. John had already A Voice After Silence the day before that he was not worthy even to untie Jesus’ sandals.
Recognizing the Messiah
John continued, “I myself did not know Him.” This may sound confusing. We know from Luke’s Gospel that John leapt in the womb when Mary visited Elizabeth. But John was not referring to personally recognizing Jesus. He was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah and needed a way to identify Him. God had told him, “The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” Only when John saw the Spirit descend on Jesus did he know for certain that Jesus is the Son of God.
Like John, we too cannot recognize Jesus rightly without God’s help. As Jesus later says, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (see Wrestling with no one can come unless drawn).
The Spirit Who Remains
The Spirit descending and remaining on Jesus is significant. In the Old Testament, the Spirit would come upon individuals, but not necessarily remain. Saul lost the Spirit, and David prayed not to. But Jesus is different. The Spirit descended like a dove and remained on Him. Jesus is the one from whom the Spirit is given.
Having recognized Jesus as the Messiah, John also compares their baptisms. While John baptized with water, Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. This shows that Jesus is not only greater in rank but also in the power of His mission. Only Jesus can give the Spirit.
The Trinity Introduced
This is the first time the Holy Spirit is mentioned in John’s Gospel. Already we have been introduced to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each has a distinct role, yet all are fully God. While the idea of the Trinity will be developed more fully later, the foundation has already been laid: three distinct persons united as one.
John’s Testimony
Jesus, the One on whom the Spirit descended, who surpasses John in every way, who is the Son of God, is the One John came to testify about. All of John’s ministry was to humbly prepare everyone to recognize and receive Him.