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I. THE TRUE MESSENGER.

1. One who sees Jesus for himself (ver. 33), The true herald of Jesus is like John.

(1)  He is on the look-out for is Lord s appearing.

(2)  He rejoices to preach Jesus, as One whom he has seen and known, and still hopes to see.

(3)  He preaches Him as come, and as coming.

2. He calls upon men to see Jesus.

(1)  Plainly and confidently.

(2)  Continually and solely (ver 35).

(3)  Earnestly and emphatically.

3. He leads his own followers to Jesus (ver. 37).

(1)  He had enough force to induce men to be his followers.

(2)  Enough humility to induce his followers to leave him for Jesus.

(3)  Enough grace to make him rejoice that it was so (2 Corinthians 4:5).

4. He loses himself in Jesus.

(1)  He sees the necessity of this (John 3:43).

(2)  The propriety of this (John 3:29).

II. THE TRUE MESSAGE. John's word was brief, but emphatic. He declared Jesus to be —

1. Sent and ordained "of God."

2. The one real, Divinely appointed sacrifice for sin — "the Lamb of God."

3. The only remover of human guilt — " which taketh away the sin of the world."

4. Set forth as the object of faiths" Behold the Lamb." He exhorted his hearers to look at him with that look which saves. The end of all ministries and ordinances is to bring men to look to Jesus. Both John, who ran before, and we, who run after, must point in the same direction.

III. THE TRUE RECEPTION OF THAT MESSAGE. The conduct of John's disciples shows that our true wisdom concerning .gospel testimony is —

1. To believe it, and so to acknowledge Jesus as our sin-removing sacrifice.

2. To follow Jesus (ver, 37).

3. To follow Jesus, even if we be alone. These were the vanguard of the vast hosts who have since followed Jesus. They knew not what suffering it might involve, but went first and foremost.

4. To abide with Jesus (ver 39).

5. To go forth and tell others of Jesus (vers. 40, 41).Conclusion: Here is —

1. A lesson for those who preach. John's sermon was short, but full of Jesus, and effectual for soul-winning. Imitate him.

2. An example for those who have believed.

3. A gospel for those who hitherto have not known the Saviour.

(C. H. Spurgeon.)

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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!