December 26

Introduction

John 1:19–34: Today’s reading begins with John the Baptist being questioned by the religious authorities who wish to know if he is the Messiah. John responds by saying he is not. When John sees Jesus the next day, he testifies that Jesus is the Son of God.

Today’s Key Verse: John 1:29

The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, “There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Reflect

What questions are asked of John by the religious leaders? How does John respond? What does John say about Jesus (verses 29–31)? Accounts of Jesus’s baptism by John are recorded in Matthew 3:13–17, Mark 1:9–11, and Luke 3:21–22. In today’s reading, John testifies to Jesus’s baptism (verses 32–34). What does John say? You may wish to compare his testimony with what is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Pray

Lord Jesus, you are indeed the Lamb of God who takes away my sin. You willingly sacrificed your life for my sake and rose again to free me from bondage to sin and death and grant me eternal life. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving me so. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 1:35–51: Jesus calls his first disciples.