Page 18 - The Gospel of John - Student textbook

and degrading task of untying his sandal straps --a task that even Jewish teachers were forbidden to demand of
their students.

Charles Swindoll says that the real questions they were asking was, "Who do you think you are?" According to
the world standard, whoever wields the greatest power has the right to determine what truth is and who gets to
proclaim it. But according to the standard of religion, only those who are worthy can be the source of truth, and
we should only listen to those who pass religious muster. This strange-looking, ultra-dogmatic wilderness
preacher was an enigma to the religious elite. This man who preached in the rugged regions of Judea claim
neither power nor worthiness. The thought of celebrity turned him off. In fact, he took great care to strip
himself of all credentials.

He said, in effect, "I am not the source of truth; I simply bear witness to the one who is the Truth."

Charles Swindoll who is a master at teaching us how to make life applications of the Scriptures says this about
these verses. “He can rightly draw encouragement from the fact that his service has been fruitful and
appreciated, but he must absolutely refuse to be idolized! That man is most successful who attaches the
affection of his followers more to Christ than to himself.”

R. C. Sproul echoes the same thoughts in his commentary when he says, those of us who believe and trust in
Christ are His disciples. But like John, we need to see that we are not worthy in and of ourselves to untie His
shoes, for we have sinned against God and despised His just rule. Despite that, Jesus gave Himself for us, to
redeem us from our sin. May we never cease to give thanks for such a great salvation.

Second Day, Second Group, Second Emphasis

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin
30
of the world! This is the One I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who has surpassed me, because He
31
existed before me.’ I didn’t know Him, but I came baptizing with water so He might be revealed to Israel.”
33
32 And John testified, “I watched the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He rested on Him. I
didn’t know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The One you see the Spirit descending
and resting on—He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and testified that He is the Son
34
of God!”

The term, the Lamb of God, is a title used only in John's writings. The concept of a sacrificial lamb was a familiar
term to the Jewish people. They were aware of Isaiah's prophecy linking the Messiah to a lamb that is led to the
slaughter. (Isaiah 53:7; Acts 8:32; first Peter 1:19)

Life Applications
John the Baptist’s life and ministry teaches several important lessons. First, John had a clear
understanding of himself and the Messiah. His task was to point people to Jesus. It is easy for
us to become confused as to what God has called us to do. Like John the Baptist, God has
called us to point people to Jesus and not to ourselves.

Second, John’s humility is a stirring challenge to the pride that resides in every heart. There is something with in
fallen nature that clamors for attention and recognition. Success is the breeding ground for pride. Large crowds
have a way of making us forget who we are and where we come from. John never forgot he was just a voice. He
refused all flattering titles. He saw himself as unworthy of untying the Lords sandal.

17