And John Bore Witness

John 1:24-34
February 20, 2022
Abraham Hong

Sermon Script

I would like to start this sermon by asking you a question. It’s a simple question. When you hear it, answer it in your heart and mind. And be honest. My question is this. Who is Jesus and what does he mean to you?

I hope your answer sounds something like this. Who is Jesus? Jesus is my Savior. He died for my sins and he gave me eternal life. Jesus is my Lord. He is God and he is my king. What does Jesus mean to me? Jesus means everything to me. There is nothing better or more important in my life than him.

But if all that is true, then why are you the way that you are? Why are you scared about your sins? Why are you so distracted by the things of this world? Why do you lack humility and love before Jesus?

I just want to point out three things in today’s passage that I want you to think about.

First, dear Highland, why are you scared about your sins? Jesus is the lamb who takes away your sin. In the days of the Old Testament, when you sinned against God, you would sacrifice a lamb in order to take away your sin. Your sins would be given to the lamb. And then instead of you, the lamb would die in your place. This was very sad but very real. And this was meant to be a picture of who Jesus is and what he did for you. Jesus is the lamb who takes away your sins. He takes your sins away from you and your sins goes to him. And then instead of you, Jesus died in your place. This is very sad but very real. But Jesus did it because he loves you. Jesus is the lamb who takes away your sins.

Therefore, dear Highland, do not be scared about your sins. Your sins have been taken away from you. Your sins were given to Jesus. And he died for your sins. You are not going to die for your sins. Jesus took care of it. Your sins are not counted against you. You are forgiven and you are loved by God. Praise the Lord.

Who is Jesus and what does he mean to you?

Second, dear Highland, why are you so distracted by the things of this world? Jesus has baptized us with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, after Jesus resurrected and ascended into heaven, something big and historic and victorious occurred. Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit upon his church. Jesus baptized us, the church universal, with the Holy Spirit. On that day in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit blessed and empowered the church to declare the good news of Jesus. Have you ever seen a football team dump Gatorade on their coach? They do it at the end of a game that they’ve won. Jesus has won. And in Acts 2, Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit upon us and marked the beginning of a celebration of victory. Today, technically, the game is not over. Today, technically, the Gatorade has already been dumped on us. But we who are the church are still 2000 years later soaking wet from the Gatorade event of Jesus’ Holy Spirit baptism.

Therefore, dear Highland, do not be so distracted by the things of this world. We won. The war is not yet over. But it’s over. The kingdom of God is at hand. And soon and very soon, Jesus will come back and we will celebrate his victory in the new heavens and new earth forever. Praise the Lord.

Who is Jesus and what does he mean to you?

Third, dear Highland, why do you lack humility and love before Jesus? You must decrease and Jesus must increase. Look at how John the Baptist was. Listen to what he said. He said that he was not worthy to untie the straps of the sandals of Jesus. In the days of Jesus and the New Testament, lowly servants cleaned people’s feet. John said that he was not even worthy to do that for Jesus. John went on to say that Jesus ranks before him. Jesus is the Son of God who had majestic supremacy over John. John thought of himself as nothing before the Lord. And it was John’s joy to be that. All that John wanted was to declare Christ and then get out of the way so that Christ would receive all the glory and honor and praise. This was a beautiful humility and love for Jesus.

Dear Highland, what a wonderful example for us to follow and imitate. This was John’s witness. Like John, may we decrease. And may Jesus increase.

Who is Jesus and what does he mean to you?

Come, Lord Jesus, come soon!

May the grace of Christ be with you all. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria