Jn 1:29

Chapter 1

29

The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said:

“There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! :

Commentaries

1:19 - 1:34

Testimony of John the Baptist.

Through this testimony, the evangelist provides a brief overview of Jesus’ personality.
Indirect Testimony (19-28). Before the Jewish authorities, the Baptist confesses that he is not the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet, but the voice crying in the wilderness; his testimony is prophetic: he prepares the way for the Lord.
Direct Testimony (29-31). Before Israel, meaning before the chosen people, he calls Jesus the “Lamb of God.” This title reflects the theological unity of the Gospel and includes the following aspects: “Conquering Lamb”: an apocalyptic image representing the sovereign and messianic leader (Rev 5:11); “sacrificial Lamb”: an image of the Servant of the Lord who redeems through his death (Is 53:7-12); “liberating Passover Lamb”: Jesus offers himself up for the sins of the world, like the lamb of the Jewish Passover (Ex 12:46). Jesus on the cross, like the Passover lamb, will have none of his bones broken (19:36). How does Jesus take away the sin of humanity? By taking on human nature and offering himself on the cross through voluntary sacrifice and loving service. From the cross, he gives us the Holy Spirit (19:30), who purifies and forgives all our sins (20:22ff).
Baptism of Jesus (32-34). The evangelist does not describe Jesus’ baptism but references it through John the Baptist’s testimony. The primary focus of the vision is the Spirit. Jesus is given a specific role: to baptize in the Spirit (33), a task that belongs to God, who will pour out His Spirit on the community (Is 32:15; 44:3; Ezk 36:25-29; Jl 3:1ff). Because the Spirit dwells permanently in Him, Jesus Christ is the great architect of the universal gift of the Spirit and the leader of a holy people.

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