Water In John’s Gospel, 1of11

~ John 1 – Jesus’ Baptism ~

Introduction  ~  The Gospel of John contains numerous references to water.  In fact over half (11 of 21) the chapters reference water.  We will look at those passages in this series. 

Scripture  ~  “John answered them, saying, ‘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.’  These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.  

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold!  The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!  This is He of whom I said, “After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.”  I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.’ 

And John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.  I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”  And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God’” (John 1:26-34). 

Notes  ~  1. Even before Jesus was baptized John declared that Jesus is “The Lamb of God” (see also Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22). 

2. John also testified that Jesus was “The Son of God.” 

3. John doesn’t provide a witness of Jesus’ baptism in this passage (that record appears in Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22). 

4. John does relate how Jesus appeared at the Jordan River at the place where John was baptizing others. 

5. John does tell us that Jesus is the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit (1:33).   

The Key Question  ~  Do you possess the abundance of “living water” which is only available through Jesus Christ. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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