Who is Jesus – John 1
The first chapter of John’s gospel introduces Jesus in a number of different ways.
There are numerous titles & roles that explain who Jesus is & what He does for us.
Jesus is the Eternal Word, the True Light, the Anointed One – the Messiah.
He is God incarnate, come to save us, as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
John the Baptist, Jesus’ forerunner & herald, also introduces a second title that shows who Jesus is.
John, the gospel writer, uses that title next. That title is Son of God & it will be today’s theme.
And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” John 1:32-34 NKJV
John the Baptist’s testimony & witness now deepens. Further revelation about who Jesus is follows.
John has already testified that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (verse 29).
He now adds to that because Jesus is also, & at the same time, the Son (Chosen One) of God.
Nathaniel, makes the same confession of faith when he meets Jesus (verse 49). (Double testimony!!)
Both John’s are telling us Jesus Christ is the unique, one & only, divine Son & saviour of mankind.
God has come to save humanity through His Chosen Son who is humanity’s only saviour. SELAH
John the Baptist is aware of this because he sees the Spirit of God descend from heaven & then remain upon Jesus.
This was the sign & revelation that John the Baptist had been waiting for.
His cue to cry out & make Jesus the Son & saviour known – to reveal who Jesus was to Israel (verse 31).
The witness & testimony increase further as Jesus is the One who will baptise with the Spirit.
John had baptised (immersed or plunged) people in water for a baptism of repentance.
Jesus is the One who will immerse & plunge/drench people with the baptism of the Spirit. Hallelujah!!
Jesus baptises us with His power & His holiness. Saving us from sin to then sanctify (make holy) us. SELAH
Our testimony & witness is to be like that of John the Baptist – to make Jesus known as Son of God & saviour of humanity.
The battle today remains the age-old battle around the uniqueness of Christ as God’s only Son & universal saviour.
There is salvation in no other person or name under heaven (Acts 4:12).
In a multi-cultural, multi-faith & politically correct world this is deeply offensive to many.
It however remains the truth & it remains our lifelong task.
Be bold as a witness & worshipper of Jesus Christ God’s Son & our saviour.
For Reflection
- In what ways am I making Jesus known in, & through, my life
- Am I balanced in my worship of Christ & my witness for Him?
- Meditate upon Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
A song related to this theme:
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus Your only Son as the saviour of the world,
That in Him, & through Him, the sins of the world are carried away & Your great love is revealed.
Jesus, Lamb of God, Sovereign Son, thank you that You came to save me & all humanity,
Pouring out your precious blood to free us & reconcile us to the Father.
Holy Spirit keep me boldly worshipping & witnessing of my saviour Jesus,
Making Christ known through words, works (deed) & wonders.
In the mighty Name of Jesus.
Amen
Written by Gareth Jones
