How does John 1:35 connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah? Setting the Scene in John 1:35 John 1:35: “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.” • Verse 35 is a quiet line, yet it sits in a section where John the Baptist has just twice announced Jesus as “the Lamb of God” (vv. 29, 36). • The verse establishes John’s ongoing public ministry and highlights two witnesses who will soon transfer their allegiance to Jesus, underscoring fulfilled expectation rather than random coincidence. John the Baptist—The Promised Forerunner • Isaiah 40:3 foretold “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD.’” John is literally that voice, standing “there again” and refusing to let up until the Messiah is recognized. • Malachi 3:1; 4:5–6 promised a messenger who would precede the LORD and come “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). John’s steadfast presence in v. 35 shows the promise in action. • By faithfully pointing to Jesus in consecutive days (vv. 29, 35, 36), John fulfills the prophetic job description given centuries earlier. “Lamb of God”—Echoes of Sacrificial Prophecy Though the title is stated in v. 36, verse 35 is the hinge that brings new listeners to the declaration. Old Testament images stand behind it: • Exodus 12 – the Passover lamb’s blood delivers Israel; Jesus is the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Isaiah 53:7 – “like a lamb led to slaughter,” spoken of the Servant who bears sin; John identifies Jesus in that precise role. • Genesis 22 – the substitute ram for Isaac prefigures the Messiah; Jesus is God’s provided substitute. Two Disciples—A Remnant Awakens • Isaiah 10:20–22 predicted a “remnant of Jacob” that would return to the Mighty God. The unnamed pair in v. 35 picture that faithful remnant beginning to rally around the Messiah. • Zechariah 8:23 foresaw many grasping the sleeve of a Jewish believer, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Andrew and the other disciple will soon do exactly that—go with the One in whom God dwells (John 1:38–39). Day-by-Day Testimony—Creation Hints and New Beginning • John’s Gospel marks out a sequence of days (vv. 29, 35, 43; 2:1). The steady drumbeat toward a seventh-day wedding in Cana (2:1) mirrors Genesis 1’s creation week. • The Messiah’s arrival signals a new creation promised in Isaiah 65:17—“I will create new heavens and a new earth.” Verse 35 keeps that prophetic rhythm moving forward. Why the Connection Matters • John 1:35 anchors Jesus firmly in the line of messianic prophecy; His mission isn’t novel but the long-promised fulfillment. • The verse shows prophecy working out in real time—John stands, disciples listen, Jesus soon steps center stage. • The faithfulness of God is on display: what He promised through Isaiah and Malachi unfolds exactly as written, inviting readers to the same sure confidence today. |
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