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I. JOHN'S PROCLAMATION OF THE MESSIAH.

1. His person identified (ver. 30).

2. His calling declared (ver. 20).

(1) Divine in its appointment. The Lamb chosen, provided, sent by, and consecrated and belonging to God.

(2) Saving in its character: to realize and fulfil all that had been foreshadowed by the paschal lamb, the lamb for burnt-offering, and the suffering Servant of Jehovah.

(3) World-wide in its destination: not for Israel alone, or believers simply, but for humanity at large (John 3:16; John 12:32; 1 John 2:2; 1 Timothy 2:6.; 4:10). Upon the ground of Christ's expiation, a bona fide offer of forgiveness is made to the world (Ephesians 1:7).

3. His dignity announced.

(1)  His higher being (ver. 15).

(2)  His loftier calling.

(3)  His nobler name.

II. JOHN'S KNOWLEDGE OF MESSIAH.

1. When it originated. At the Baptism (ver. 33). Prior to this John may have had surmises, hopes, expectations, but not certain knowledge; neither have we without the Father's testimony, to which also Christ (John 5:37), John (1 John 5:9, 11), and Peter (2 John 1:16) appeal.

2. Whence it proceeded. From the Spirit. It was no deduction or conclusion of His own. From the same source proceeds all spiritual understanding of Christ or His truth (John 14:26; John 16:13-15; 1 John 2:20, 27; 1 John 5:20; cf. 1 Corinthians 2:14).

3. On what it rested.

(1) An open heaven. As in ancient times, to Jacob (Genesis 28:12), Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:1), Daniel (Daniel 10:5-6), and afterwards to Stephen (Acts 7:5, 6), Paul (2 Corinthians 12:4), John (Revelation 4:1). This a symbolic representation. The heavens had opened, that God's Son might come forth, and that Christ's brethren might enter in: for the outflow of grace to men, and for the entrance of men to glory.

(2) A descended Spirit. Of this the dove an emblem. The permanent endowment of Jesus with the fulness of the Spirit convinced the Baptist.Lessons:

1. The twofold character of Christ's salvation.

(1)  The removal of sin.

(2)  The implantation of a new life by the Spirit.

2. The twofold condition of receiving Christ's salvation.

(1)  Repentance, symbolized by baptism.

(2)  Faith upheld in beholding the Lamb of God.

3. The twofold qualification for preaching Christ's salvation.

(1)  A knowledge of Christ.

(2)  An acquaintance with self.

4. The twofold evidence that Christ is the Son of God.

(1)  He can open heaven by removing sin.

(2)  He can qualify for heaven by imparting the Spirit.

(T. Whitelaw, D. D.)

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KJV: The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

WEB: The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!