Study of John - Week 11

Week 11

d. Verses 32-34 “Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one that sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down on and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.

The baptism of Jesus convinced John the Baptist without a shadow of a doubt that he had met the Christ. At this time, the Pentecost had not yet occurred and people’s idea of the Holy Spirit was a Jewish understanding (although I don’t think it is that different). The Daily Study Bible – The Gospel of John by William Barclay mentions that the Jewish idea of the Spirit of God brought three things to those who received it. First, it brought the truth of God. Second, it brought the power to recognize the truth when they saw it. Last, it brought the ability and courage to preach that truth to men. This Spirit came into Jesus during his baptism in a little bit different way than it had before. It came and it remained on him. This remaining is important. Jesus had received the mind and power of God.

John the Baptist had a pretty clear understanding at this point about what Jesus was there to do. He did not seem to think that Jesus was there to lead Israel in battle and overcome their enemies on earth, which was common idea of what the Messiah would do at the time. John says he is here to baptize with the Holy Spirit and take away the sins of the world.

What does it really mean that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit? The act of baptizing is to completely soak something. Jesus can completely soak us in the Holy Spirit, where is dripping off. Completely permeated and saturated. John the Baptist baptism did two things (1) it cleansed; (2) it dedicated. This is different than what we receive from a baptism of the Holy Spirit. From Jesus’ baptism we receive (1) knowledge – our purpose in life and the will of God are clear; (2) strength – the strength to use the knowledge and to follow our purpose through to completion; and (3) purification – the baptism is also a baptism of fire that burn away our impurities and self and leaves us new and pure.

Question: When have you seen the Holy Spirit in action? Have you ever witnessed a miracle? If so, what did you do with that experience (how did it affect your life)?