John 1:19–42 – Who Are You, Really?
📖 Scripture Focus: John 1:19–42
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
— John 1:29
This chapter of John stirred something deep in me.
It reminded me how loud the world can be when it’s trying to define you… and how quiet you have to become to hear who God says you are. This passage isn’t just about John the Baptist preparing the way — it’s about identity, calling, and the courage to point others to Christ when the spotlight wants to land on you.
📖 Section 1: The Question of Identity (vv. 19–23)
The priests and Levites came straight to John and asked:
“Who are you?”
He could’ve said a lot. He was known. He had a following. But his answer?
“I am not the Christ.”
“I am not Elijah.”
“I am not the Prophet.”
And finally — when pressed — he said:
“I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord.”
No titles. No need to impress.
Just obedience.
💭 Reflection:
John didn’t define himself by his family name, his reputation, or public opinion. He didn’t grasp for validation. He defined himself by his purpose: a voice, not a name.
And that spoke so deeply to me.
We live in a world obsessed with personal branding, titles, and making a name — but in the kingdom, the goal is to make His name known.
✅ Knowing who you’re not is just as important as knowing who you are.
✅ Your assignment doesn’t require applause — just obedience.
✍🏽 Note:
“John’s humility and understanding of his purpose really struck me. He didn’t let others hype him up or call him something God didn’t. He knew his lane — and he stayed faithful in it.”
“Sometimes the most anointed thing we can do is stay in position. Not be the main character… just the voice that prepares the way.”
🛐 Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me be content being a voice for You — not a name for myself. Strip away every false label. Make me bold in purpose, steady in humility, and faithful to the call You’ve placed on my life.
📖 Section 2: Behold the Lamb (vv. 29–34)
The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said:
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
He didn’t introduce Him as “Jesus of Nazareth” or “my cousin.”
He spoke of His assignment — the Lamb sent to carry the sin of the world.
And then John said something that paused me in my spirit:
“I did not know Him…” (v. 31)
This is his own family. They likely crossed paths growing up.
But John still had to wait on the Spirit to reveal who Jesus really was.
✍🏽 Note:
“That humbled me. Sometimes we’re around Jesus — even in His presence, even doing His work — and still don’t fully know Him.
John was faithful to his assignment before the revelation came.”
“And because he didn’t chase a title, he was in position to see the truth clearly — and declare it boldly:
‘Behold the Lamb of God!’”
💭 Reflection:
Sometimes we want clarity before obedience…
But what if obedience is the road to clarity?
John stayed the course — baptizing, preparing, watching.
And when the Spirit descended like a dove, he knew.
That was the Lamb.
That was the One.
🛐 Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me stay faithful while I wait.
Let my heart be soft enough to behold You when You pass by — even if I’ve seen You before.
Reveal more of Yourself to me.
I don’t want to just serve You — I want to know You.
📖 Section 3: Come and See (vv. 35–42)
The very next day, John pointed to Jesus again. This time, two of his own disciples followed Him.
Jesus turned and asked the question that still echoes in our hearts today:
“What are you seeking?” (v. 38)
They didn’t respond with theology.
They didn’t ask for signs.
They just said: “Where are You staying?”
They wanted to be near Him.
And Jesus simply replied: “Come and see.”
💭 Reflection:
That’s how it starts. Not with qualifications. Not with credentials. Just curiosity. They came and saw — and never turned back. One of them, Andrew, went and got his brother Simon. And when Jesus saw Simon, He called out something beyond what Simon knew about himself.
“You shall be called Cephas (Peter)”
— The Rock.
Before Peter ever preached. Before he failed. Before he followed —
Jesus saw the rock inside the man.
✍🏽 Grace Journal Note from Erica:
“There’s something so beautiful about how this all unfolds. John didn’t cling to his disciples. He let them go. And Jesus welcomed them without a résumé.
He just said, Come. And from there, a movement began.”
🛐 Prayer Prompt:
Jesus, I want to be near You — not for blessings, but because You’re worthy. Let me be the one who comes, who sees, who stays. Reveal who I really am — not who the world says, but who You call me to be.
📓 Journal Prompt:
Ask the Lord honestly:
“What am I truly seeking from You right now?”
Write down what comes up.
Then ask Him:
“What do You see in me that I don’t yet see?”
Sit quietly, and listen. The answer may change your life.
🌿 Final Whisper
You don’t need a spotlight to fulfill your calling.
You just need obedience, humility, and eyes to see the Lamb when He passes by.
Stay in position.
Speak when He tells you to.
And always — always — point to Jesus.
