Gospel According to John
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In this class Art Clark revisited John 1, picking up at verse 28 after last week’s review. He highlighted the five major descriptions John the Baptist gives of Jesus—He who comes after, the Lamb of God, He existed before, the baptizer in the Holy Spirit, and the Son of God—emphasizing their theological weight and geographic setting beyond the Jordan River. Clark explained that John’s repeated phrase “the next day” underscores the author’s purpose: rather than providing a complete biography, John selected pivotal signs and miracles to reveal Christ’s Messiahship, noting that only about 20‑25 days of Jesus’ ministry are recorded in the Gospel. The teacher then examined specific verses, especially John 1:29‑35, where John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, describes the Spirit descending like a dove, and calls the two disciples who witness the sign to follow Jesus. Clark pointed out the nuance in Jesus’ question, “What do you seek?” and encouraged the class to consider how these early testimonies set the stage for the gospel’s later narratives, such as the encounters in chapters 3 and 4. The central message was that recognizing the signs and the identity of Christ leads believers to deeper faith and a personal relationship with Him.
Key Scriptures
I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him. I did not recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining on him, this is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.
He is the one who comes after me, but he is preferred before me, for he existed before me.