John 1:29-34
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”
Reflection
Not only does Jesus fulfill the Old Testament, he also brings completion to Israel’s system of worship. To “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29) is to see the goal and the true meaning of Israel’s practice of animal sacrifice. Rather than depending on the inadequate blood of animals year after year, we are cleansed from our sin by the blood of Jesus, once and for all (Heb. 10:10). This good news is so central to John’s message that he spends 40 percent of his Gospel describing the most crucial week of our Lord’s life —the week of his death and resurrection (John 12:1–20:25). John wants us to see Jesus not just as a moral model but, far more importantly, as the substitute sacrifice for our sin.
John continues to describe this unique man, saying that the Holy Spirit who rested upon and empowered Jesus (cf. Isa. 61:1–3; Luke 4:14–19) would be given by Jesus to dwell within his people (John 1:33). When Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit, we begin our new life and service in his kingdom. For those who have received the Spirit, eternal life has begun even before our physical death. God’s new eternal age has broken into our lives, and it is available to any who are willing to rest upon Christ’s provision instead of trying to merit God’s favor through their personal obedience.
2 Timothy 3:10-17
10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Reflection
Paul reminds Timothy that he has closely observed Paul’s life, including Paul’s perseverance through multiple persecutions (2 Tim. 3:10–11). This reminder was a gentle, fatherly nudge for Timothy to embrace the challenges that come with a life of devotion to the gospel. This is a universal reality that all followers of Christ must accept: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (v. 12).
Timothy’s endurance will require him to give close attention to the Scriptures and to “continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (vv. 14–15). The Bible is the key to understanding Jesus and his gospel. The fact that these gospel-testifying Scriptures are “breathed out by God” gives us confidence that Scripture is trustworthy and authoritative for our lives, guiding us graciously into all that is good.
Psalm 18:30
30 This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
Like Timothy, our perseverance in the faith will require familiarity with God’s Word, the Bible. Ask God to for the self-discipline to prioritize his Word each day, and pray that he would give you focus and insight as you read.