The Peace of Redemption, John 1:19-34

What this episode covers

John the Baptist had one message for the crowds: "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" In this sermon on John 1:19-34, Pastor Ben Smith examines John's testimony of who Jesus is. John pointed to Jesus and declared two essential truths: Jesus is the Lamb of God, and Jesus takes away your sin. When priests, Levites, and Pharisees came to question John the Baptist about his identity, they wanted to know if he was the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet. To each inquiry, John emphatically said no. He refused any title that would distract from his singular mission: to prepare the way for the Messiah. The questioners wanted to know who John was, but John wanted them to know who Jesus is. The next day, when Jesus walked toward him, John seized the moment and cried out, "Behold!"—a word demanding attention so that no one would miss the arrival of the promised One. From Adam and Eve through all generations, God's people had waited for the Messiah. In that moment, John declared the waiting was over. Pastor Smith traces the biblical theme of sacrifice from the garden of Eden, where God slaughtered an animal to cover Adam and Eve's sin, through the Mosaic law's system of atonement. These sacrifices served as reminders of sin and pointed forward to something greater. As Hebrews declares, the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sins permanently. An offering for true and lasting redemption had to come from God Himself. Jesus is not merely a lamb—He is the Lamb of God. God Himself offering Himself for the redemption of sinful humanity. The sermon also addresses a crucial question: Does Jesus take away the sin of everyone? Drawing from John 3:35-36 and the broader testimony of Scripture, Pastor Smith explains that while Christ's sacrifice is sufficient for all, it is effectual for those who believe. All the world stands under God's wrath on account of sin, but whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. The message concludes with a powerful illustration from the ministry of Charles Spurgeon. Days before preaching to thousands at the Crystal Palace in 1857, Spurgeon tested the acoustics by declaring, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Unknown to him, a workman heard those words and was struck with conviction. That man later testified that he found peace and life by beholding the Lamb of God. God used John the Baptist to declare this truth to his generation. God used Spurgeon to declare it to his. And God still offers the same invitation today: Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Scripture: John 1:19-34 Series: Advent 2025 Resources: Sermon manuscript and outline available at BenSmithSr.org/store

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