08/02/2025
February 9 — CHRIST OUR EXAMPLE
From "Jesus", a daily devotional for adults
"THE LAMB OF GOD"
Key Verse:
"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'"
— John 1:29
Few heard God’s voice at the baptism of Jesus, but John recognized it as the promised sign identifying the Redeemer. Deeply moved, he knew he had baptized the Messiah. During the time Jesus was in the wilderness, John had studied anew the Messianic prophecies. Although he still did not understand the scriptural distinction between the first and second advents, he realized there must be a deeper meaning. Now, looking over the crowd by the river, he spotted Jesus.
When Jesus did not proclaim Himself as the Messiah, John directed the people’s attention to Him. “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose” (John 1:26, 27). The deputation from Jerusalem reacted in surprise. The Messiah—here, now, in their presence?
“The words of John could apply to no other than the long-promised One. The Messiah was among them! In amazement, priests and rulers gazed about them, hoping to discover Him of whom John had spoken. But He was not distinguishable among the throng.”
The next day John again saw Jesus in the crowd and identified Him as the Lamb of God. Some believed while others questioned or rejected the idea outright. The Man the Baptist pointed to was dressed as a peasant. He gave no outward sign of being a deliverer. His time in the wilderness had changed His appearance. He was paler, more gaunt, and thin than when He first came to John to be baptized. But the face of Christ was unique, for He exuded a love that could be seen even though not spoken. The people felt the compassion He expressed for their condition. He was humble, gentle, unassuming, and yet a confident aura of power radiated from Him.
"Was this the Christ?" With awe and wonder, the people looked upon the One just declared to be the Son of God! This Messiah was no king who would lead them to victory against the Romans. "The words which the priests and rabbis so much desired to hear, that Jesus would now restore the kingdom to Israel, had not been spoken." No king they knew would show such humility. Their Messiah would not associate with the poor or converse with the downtrodden!
Concluding Thought:
Appearances, even today, may be misleading. Do you focus on the message or the appearance of the messenger?
