Confess Jesus

Confess Jesus, God’s Son (John 1:19-34) Not the Messiah, Elijah (Mal. 4:4-6) or the “Great Prophet” (Deut.18:15-19) Not Elijah, but “in the spirit of” Elijah (Luke 1:15-17, Matt. 11:11-14) God promised a savior and guide Some people were/are seeking or awaiting Him. The voice of one (Isa. 40:3-5) One spark among the darkness, small, but not weak, alone so soft in effect, but were there many, so great a light would be, and so great a change. (This is a short poem I wrote awhile back. The point is that one caring person who is willing to obey God’s call, can, by the grace of God, be a powerful force for change.) Crying Gk. Boao: to raise a cry of joy or pain, to speak with a high, strong voice, to implore aid from. Various Heart Conditions Those who came to hear John came for various reasons. Some came out of a genuine concern for their spiritual condition. Some were merely curious. Some came primarily to find fault. John called people to “make straight the way” to their hearts by genuine repentance (Matt. 3:2). John’s baptism was a symbolic act of repentance. Directing people to Jesus (and acknowledging His supremacy) He stood/stands among them/us, but is not recognized for who He is (John 1:26) He is worthy of our reverence and service (John 1:27) He pre-existed John, though he was born after him (John 1:30) He will baptize with the Holy Spirit (John 1:33)

The Lamb Where is the Lamb? (Gen. 22:7) Who bears/takes away the sin of the world Gk. Airo: to take upon oneself/raise/lift up and bear/carry off/remove a heavy burden,