Thoughts on the Gospel of John (11) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

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 baptising with water. And John bore witness, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he remained upon him.
John 1:30-32

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (11)
The Pharisees in Israel sought a prophet and longed for a king who would free them from the Roman occupational forces. But John presented them with the Lamb of God, a great contrast! Nothing was more urgent than solving the problem of their sins. For this purpose Jesus had come into the world.

Here John the Baptist stresses Jesus' superiority for the third time. Although Jesus was born some months later than John, He was "before him", because, as the Son of God, He was "in the beginning with God". Clearly, John only realised who Jesus truly was at His baptism, although they were related through their mothers.

From the other three gospels we know why John baptised: he wished to arouse the people's conscience, so that they repented. Here another reason is given. John baptised so as to make the people of Israel acquainted with the Son of God.

Jesus was baptised, although He had no need to be. He was perfect and free from sin or any taint. Therefore we find the unique appearance of the Holy Spirit descending on Him in the form of a dove at His baptism. It was nothing new for the Holy Spirit to come upon a person (as in Old Testament times), but remaining was totally new. From Pentecost believers were to receive the Holy Spirit indwelling them.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Ruth 4:1-22 · Psalm 78:34-53