John 1:19-34 | What is a lesson for the original audience?

The big lesson for the original audience is none other than Jesus being, not only the Messiah, but God incarnate. As we briefly broke down the broad connection in the passage in yesterday's devotion, we can see that there is a huge connection being made that highlights Jesus as being the Word of God and the Light that gave life to men. He is the One whose sandal strap we are not worthy to loose. He is our kinsman redeemer. He is the One who will baptize with His Spirit. He is the One whom the way is prepared for.

John has sufficiently set the stage for the rest of the book. He is testifying of how incredible and amazing Jesus is. He is drawing attention to the divinity of Jesus and is highlighting Jesus as Messiah is a myriad of different ways. In drawing attention to creation and the fulfillment of prophecy, this lesson stands out. Jesus is who He says He is, for the Father has testified it of Him. And if Jesus is who He says He is, then the mission He was sent for is accomplished. What was that mission?

“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
-John 1:29

You see, the implications of God coming and dwelling with man does not mean much if He came simply to hang out for a few years. But that is not what happened! The validity of Jesus being God with us gives so much more strength to the removal of sins. If I had a car full of people and I was driving and got caught speeding, it does not matter whether or not those in the vehicle forgive me for it. The debt is still owed. But if I was contacted by the government saying that it was forgiven and I did not need to pay, that would actually mean something.

When sin is done, it is done against the Lord. As such, it would take the Lord to be the One to be able to forgive those trespasses. And so the lesson becomes more clear. Jesus is the One before the foundation of the world that we have sinned against. He is the light and we are the darkness. We did not comprehend or overcome Him. And though our offense was against Him, He came to remove the offense that we could join Him in the light. Now that is amazing.

What lessons are you seeing in this passage?