The Great Work of Christ, and the Great Work of the Preacher
John 1:29
The next day John sees Jesus coming to him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.


I. THE GREAT WORK OF CHRIST. Sin always implies the existence of taw, knowledge of law, capability of obeying law, and actual departure from law. Christ came to take sin away.

1. This work is of all works most difficult. In some respects it is impossible. Its fact cannot be taken away, nor its memory, nor its influence; but its painful consciousness, its controlling power, its polluting influences, and its dawning consequences can. But this transcends all human power. Senators, sages, poets, priests have tried and failed. Christ alone can do it, and has done it.

2. This work is of all works the most indispensable, Sin is the foundation of all man's suffering, physical, political, social, religious. The work required is to dry up this fountain. Sin must be taken away from our literature, governments, institutions, hearts, before the world can be saved. This is the great work of Christ.

II. THE GREAT WORK OF THE PREACHER. To point to the Lamb of God. This designation suggests —

1. Sinlessness.

2. Sacrifice. Christ's was voluntary, all-sufficient, exemplary.

3. Divinity. Christ was God's messenger and atoner. The preacher's work, therefore, is not to deal in controversies or speculations. The world wants a Saviour, not a system or a creed.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
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!




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