Scripture: John 1:37 (ESV) – “The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.”

In John 1:37, we witness the first response to John the Baptist’s repeated proclamation: “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Two of John’s disciples hear his words and, without hesitation, begin to follow Jesus. This moment marks a pivotal turning point—not only for these disciples but for the unfolding of Jesus’ ministry.

The simplicity of this verse is striking. There is no recorded debate, hesitation, or request for further clarification. They hear John’s testimony and act on it. These two disciples, Andrew and likely John the Apostle, take the first step of faith. This is a powerful reminder that faith begins with a response. They didn’t fully understand everything about Jesus yet, but they knew enough to take a step toward Him.

John the Baptist’s willingness to release his disciples to Jesus is an act of profound humility and faithfulness. As noted in the sermon document, John’s mission wasn’t to build a following for himself but to direct people to Christ. This challenges us to examine our own motivations. Do we point people to Jesus, or are we more concerned with our own influence and recognition? John’s example reminds us that the ultimate goal of ministry, and of life, is to lead others to Jesus.

For the disciples, “following Jesus” wasn’t just about physical movement—it was the beginning of a new relationship and a lifelong journey of discipleship. This verse invites us to reflect on our own journey. Have we truly responded to the call to follow Jesus, or are we standing on the sidelines, hesitating to take the next step? Following Jesus requires action, trust, and a willingness to leave behind the familiar for the sake of something far greater.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you responded to Jesus’ call to follow Him? If so, what does that look like in your daily life?
2. Are there areas where you are hesitant to take the next step of faith?
3. How can you, like John the Baptist, point others to follow Jesus with humility and faithfulness?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to follow You. Help us to respond in faith, trusting You even when we don’t have all the answers. Teach us to walk closely with You, growing as Your disciples each day. May we, like John the Baptist, faithfully point others to You, knowing that You alone are the Lamb of God. Strengthen our faith and give us boldness to take the next steps You are calling us to. In Your name, Amen.

*edited from Pastor Chris Cousine’s sermon on John 1:35-51, supplemented with material from J.C. Ryle and John Calvin*

Scripture: John 1:36 (ESV) – “And he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’”

In John 1:36, John the Baptist once again points to Jesus with the same powerful declaration: “Behold, the Lamb of God!” This repetition isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. John is drawing his disciples’ attention to the singular importance of Jesus. His life’s work centers on this moment: redirecting those who follow him to the One who truly matters.

The phrase “Behold, the Lamb of God” is rich with theological depth. As Calvin notes, John emphasizes Jesus’ role as the sacrificial Lamb, chosen by God to bear the sins of the world. This declaration not only ties Jesus to the imagery of the Old Testament sacrifices but also reveals the scope of His mission. Jesus is the Lamb who provides redemption for all who believe in Him.

John’s action of “looking at Jesus as he walked by” is significant. It’s an act of both recognition and reverence. John isn’t distracted by the crowds or his own status; his focus is entirely on Jesus. This challenges us to consider where our own gaze is fixed. Are we caught up in the busyness of life, or are we intentionally looking to Jesus, recognizing Him as the center of everything?

The disciples’ reaction to this proclamation further underscores its power. Upon hearing John’s words, they immediately begin to follow Jesus. This is a reminder that our witness matters. When we point others to Jesus with clarity and conviction, lives can be changed. Like John, our role is not to be the center of attention but to direct others to the Savior.

This verse invites us to reflect on the posture of our hearts. Do we daily “behold” Jesus, standing in awe of who He is and what He has done? And are we using our lives to point others to Him, knowing that He alone is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?

Reflection Questions:

1. How often do you pause to truly “behold” Jesus in your daily life?
2. Are there opportunities in your life where you can more intentionally point others to Jesus?
3. In what ways can you fix your focus on Christ, even amidst life’s distractions?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Help us to fix our eyes on You, just as John did, and to stand in awe of Your love and sacrifice. Teach us to live as witnesses, pointing others to You with our words and actions. Let our lives be a reflection of Your glory, so that others may come to know and follow You. Keep us focused on You, the One who deserves all praise. In Your name, Amen.

*edited from Pastor Chris Cousine’s sermon on John 1:35-51, supplemented with material from J.C. Ryle and John Calvin*

Scripture: John 1:35 (ESV) – “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!’”

In John 1:35, we see John the Baptist faithfully fulfilling his mission as a witness to Christ. Once again, he directs attention away from himself and toward Jesus, declaring, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” John’s focus is unwavering: his ministry is not about gathering followers for himself but pointing them to the Savior.

The phrase “Behold, the Lamb of God” is both a call to attention and a profound theological declaration. The lamb in Scripture is rich with meaning—calling to mind the Passover lamb, the sacrificial system, and ultimately, Jesus as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. John is urging his disciples to stop, look, and recognize the significance of Jesus. This is no ordinary man—this is the one who will take away the sins of the world.

This moment also highlights John’s humility. He doesn’t cling to his disciples or seek to grow his influence. Instead, he releases them to follow Jesus, understanding that his purpose is to prepare the way for the Messiah. For John, success is not measured by the size of his following but by how effectively he points others to Christ.

John’s example challenges us to evaluate our own lives and ministries. Are we pointing others to Jesus, or are we more focused on ourselves? Do we find joy in directing people to Christ, even if it means stepping out of the spotlight? Like John, we are called to live as witnesses, proclaiming the greatness of Jesus and inviting others to follow Him.

This verse also reminds us of the importance of repeatedly turning our gaze to Jesus. Even if we’ve heard the gospel many times, we need the constant reminder to “Behold the Lamb of God.” Fixing our eyes on Jesus renews our faith, deepens our gratitude, and fuels our desire to share Him with others.

Reflection Questions:

1. How often do you pause to “behold” Jesus and reflect on His work as the Lamb of God?
2. Are there areas in your life where you are more focused on yourself than pointing others to Christ?
3. How can you invite others to “Behold the Lamb” in your daily interactions?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Help us to fix our eyes on You daily and to find joy in pointing others to Your greatness. Teach us to live with humility, knowing that our lives are not about us but about You. Empower us to be faithful witnesses, inviting others to behold Your beauty and grace. May our words and actions reflect Your glory, leading others to follow You. In Your name, Amen.

*edited from Pastor Chris Cousine’s sermon from John 1:35-51*

Scripture: John 1:34 (ESV) – “And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

In John 1:34, John the Baptist declares the climax of his testimony: “I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” This bold statement affirms Jesus’ divine identity, pointing to Him not just as a teacher, prophet, or even Messiah in a political sense, but as God Himself in human flesh. John’s declaration leaves no room for ambiguity—Jesus is uniquely God’s Son, sent to save the world.

John’s certainty comes from what he has seen and experienced. He witnessed the Holy Spirit descend and remain on Jesus, confirming God’s revelation to him. This wasn’t speculation or hearsay—it was a firsthand encounter with the truth. His response was simple yet profound: to bear witness. John recognized that his role wasn’t to glorify himself but to point people to the One who had come to change everything.

This verse challenges us to consider what we do with the truth about Jesus. Like John, we are called to bear witness. When we come to know Jesus as the Son of God, our natural response should be to share that truth with others. It doesn’t require eloquence or expertise—just a willingness to testify to what we have seen and experienced of God’s work in our lives.

Additionally, this verse confronts us with the question of belief. Do we truly see Jesus as the Son of God in every aspect of our lives? It’s easy to acknowledge His divinity with our words while failing to live as though He is Lord over our decisions, relationships, and priorities. John’s testimony reminds us to align our lives with the truth of who Jesus is.

Reflection Questions:

1. How has your understanding of Jesus as the Son of God shaped your faith and daily life?
2. Are you actively bearing witness to who Jesus is in your conversations and actions?
3. In what areas of your life do you need to submit more fully to Jesus as Lord?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Son of God, the One who came to reveal the Father’s love and bring us salvation. Thank You for making Yourself known to us through Your Word, Your Spirit, and the lives You transform. Help us to boldly bear witness to Your truth, sharing who You are with those around us. Teach us to live as people who truly believe in Your power and authority, surrendering every part of our lives to You. In Your mighty name, Amen.

*edited and modernized from J.C. Ryle’s commentary on the Gospel of John*

Scripture: John 1:33 (ESV) – “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.’”

In this verse, John the Baptist recalls the divine instruction he received about identifying the Messiah. He admits again, “I myself did not know him,” emphasizing that recognizing Jesus wasn’t a matter of human insight but divine revelation. God Himself had given John a clear sign: the one on whom the Spirit descended and remained would be the promised Messiah, the One who would baptize not with water, but with the Holy Spirit.

The contrast between John’s baptism and Jesus’ baptism is profound. John baptized with water, symbolizing repentance and preparation for the coming kingdom. But Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, bringing transformation, renewal, and the power of God into the lives of His followers. This marked a turning point in God’s redemptive plan. Through Jesus, the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all who believe, equipping them to live as children of God and empowering them for His mission.

John’s humility shines here. Despite his prominent role in preparing the way for the Messiah, he acknowledges that his ministry was limited compared to what Jesus would accomplish. This is a reminder for us as well. Our work for God, though important, is ultimately just a part of His greater plan. The true life-changing power comes from Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, not from anything we can do on our own.

This verse also invites us to consider what it means to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. It’s more than an outward ritual—it’s a deep, inward transformation. The Spirit brings new life, convicting us of sin, pointing us to Christ, and empowering us to live for Him. Are we living in the fullness of the Spirit’s presence, allowing Him to guide and shape us each day?

Reflection Questions:

1. How have you experienced the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
2. Are there areas where you are relying on your own strength instead of depending on the Spirit’s power?
3. How can you be more open to the Spirit’s leading and purpose for your life?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit, bringing life and transformation to all who believe. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit, who leads us, renews us, and empowers us to live for You. Help us to rely fully on Your power and not on our own strength. Teach us to be sensitive to the Spirit’s guidance and bold in sharing Your truth with others. May our lives reflect the hope and renewal You bring. In Your name, Amen.

*edited and modernized from J.C. Ryle’s commentary on the Gospel of John*

Scripture: John 1:32 (ESV) – “And John bore witness: ‘I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.’”

In John 1:32, John the Baptist gives a powerful eyewitness account of Jesus’ baptism, a moment when God visibly confirmed Jesus as the Messiah. John recalls seeing the Holy Spirit descend from heaven in the form of a dove and remain on Jesus. This wasn’t just a symbolic gesture—it was a divine declaration, setting Jesus apart and revealing Him as the One anointed by God.

The image of the dove is significant. In Scripture, doves often represent peace, purity, and God’s presence. The Spirit descending and remaining on Jesus shows that He is uniquely equipped for His mission as the Savior. It also fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 42:1, where God says of the Messiah, “I have put my Spirit upon him.” This moment is a confirmation of Jesus’ identity and authority, not just for John but for everyone who would hear his testimony.

John’s role here is vital. As a witness, he points others to Jesus, testifying to what he has seen and experienced. This is a model for all believers. When God reveals Himself to us—whether through His Word, answered prayer, or the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives—we’re called to share it with others. Like John, we’re not the focus of the story; our job is to direct people’s attention to Christ.

This verse also reminds us of the Spirit’s ongoing work in our lives. Just as the Spirit descended on Jesus, He is present in every believer, guiding, comforting, and equipping us for God’s purposes. The same Spirit who empowered Jesus empowers us today. Are we attentive to His presence? Are we willing to bear witness to His work in our lives?

Reflection Questions:

1. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?
2. Are you willing to share your testimony of how God has revealed Himself to you?
3. How can you be more aware of the Spirit’s guidance and presence in your daily life?

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank You for Your presence in our lives. Just as You descended on Jesus and remained with Him, remain with us and guide us in all we do. Help us to see Your work clearly and to testify boldly to what You’ve done. Give us the courage to point others to Jesus, just as John did, so that they too can experience the hope and peace found in Him. Make us attentive to Your voice and willing to follow wherever You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*edited and modernized from J.C. Ryle’s commentary on the Gospel of John*

Scripture: John 1:31 (ESV) – “I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”

In John 1:31, John the Baptist reflects on his mission: to prepare the way for Jesus and help others recognize Him as the Messiah. He admits, “I myself did not know him,” highlighting that even he needed divine revelation to fully grasp Jesus’ true identity. Despite being Jesus’ relative, John didn’t fully understand who Jesus was until God revealed it to him. This reinforces an essential truth: knowing Jesus is not a result of human effort but of God’s grace.

John explains that his role in baptizing with water wasn’t just about repentance; it was ultimately about revealing Jesus to Israel. Every time he called people to turn from their sins and prepare their hearts, he was setting the stage for the moment when Jesus would step into the spotlight. John’s ministry wasn’t about himself—it was always about pointing people to Christ.

This verse challenges us to reflect on our purpose as followers of Jesus. Like John, we are called to help reveal Christ to the world. Whether through our words, actions, or the way we live, our lives should point people to Him. But just like John needed God’s guidance to recognize Jesus, we need the Holy Spirit to work through us. Sharing Jesus isn’t something we can do on our own; it’s a result of His grace and power at work in us.

At the same time, John’s statement reminds us that recognizing Jesus requires humility and an open heart. There are moments when even those who have grown up around Jesus—whether through church, family, or cultural exposure—may not fully know Him. It’s a reminder to continually seek Him, pray for His revelation, and trust Him to make Himself known to others in His timing.

Reflection Questions:

1. How are you helping to reveal Jesus to the people around you?
2. Are there areas of your life where you need to seek a deeper understanding of who Jesus is?
3. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you as you point others to Christ?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Jesus. Help us to live with the same purpose as John the Baptist—to point others to You. Open our eyes to see You more clearly and to help others do the same. Fill us with Your Spirit so that our lives reflect Your love, grace, and truth. May we always be faithful to share who You are, trusting You to do the work of revealing Yourself to the hearts of those we meet. In Your name, Amen.

*edited and modernized from J.C. Ryle’s commentary on the Gospel of John*

Scripture: John 1:30 (ESV) – “This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’”

John the Baptist makes a bold and powerful statement about Jesus in this verse: “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.” Even though John’s ministry began first, he acknowledges that Jesus is far greater because of who He is—eternal, divine, and supreme.

To put it simply, John is saying, “I might have come onto the scene first, but Jesus has always been.” This isn’t just about who started preaching first; it’s about the eternal nature of Jesus. John recognizes that Jesus isn’t just another great teacher or prophet—He’s the Son of God who has existed forever. Before time began, Jesus was there. Everything John does is ultimately to prepare people for Him.

John’s humility here is striking. He had a huge following and a significant ministry, but he never let that inflate his ego. Instead, he consistently points away from himself and toward Jesus. He doesn’t compete with Christ; he exalts Him. This is the kind of mindset we’re called to have: recognizing that Jesus is always greater than anything we could ever accomplish and that our lives should point others to Him.

In our modern world, where success and recognition are so highly valued, it’s easy to forget that our worth and purpose don’t come from our achievements—they come from Christ. Like John, we’re invited to live in a way that acknowledges Jesus as the center of everything. Whether we’re at work, with family, or serving in ministry, our goal should be to reflect His greatness, not our own.

Finally, this verse reminds us of the incredible mystery of Jesus’ incarnation. The eternal God stepped into history, taking on human flesh to save us. When we grasp even a small part of that truth, it should fill us with awe and gratitude, reshaping the way we live and the way we see Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you see Jesus as the ultimate priority and purpose in your life?
2. Are there areas where you’ve been tempted to make yourself the focus instead of pointing others to Christ?
3. How can you practically reflect Christ’s greatness in your daily life?

Prayer:
Jesus, You are the eternal King, the One who existed before all things and holds everything together. Thank You for stepping into this world to rescue us. Help us to see Your greatness clearly and to live in a way that points others to You. Teach us to let go of our pride and to find joy in reflecting Your glory. May everything we do be for Your honor. In Your name, Amen.

*edited and updated from J.C. Ryle’s commentary on the Gospel of John*