t's Credentials--Spiritual
Vision--"Behold the Lamb of God"--The Baptism of the Spirit

The baptism and revelation of Christ had a marvellous effect on the
ministry of the Forerunner. Previous to that memorable day, the burden
of his teaching had been in the direction of repentance and confession
of sin. But afterwards, the whole force of his testimony was towards
the person and glory of the Shepherd of Israel. He understood that for
the remainder of his brief ministry, which perhaps did not greatly
exceed six months, he must bend all his strength to announcing to the
people the prerogatives and claims of Him who stood amongst them,
though they knew Him not. "There came a man, sent from God, whose name
was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the
Light, that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but
came that he might bear witness of the Light."

Our subject, therefore, naturally divides itself into two divisions:
John's admissions about himself, and his testimony to the Lord. And it
is interesting to notice that they were given on three successive days,
as appears from the twofold use of the phrase, "On the morrow." "On
the morrow" (_i.e._, after he had met and answered the deputation from
the Sanhedrim), "he seeth Jesus coming unto him..." (i. 29). "Again,
on the morrow John was standing, and two of his disciples..." (35).

These events took place at Bethany, or Bethabara, on the eastern bank
of the Jordan. The river there is one hundred feet in width, and,
except in flood, some five to seven feet deep. It lies in a tropical
valley, the verdure of which is in striking contrast to the desolation
which reigns around.

I. THE BAPTIST'S ADMISSIONS ABOUT HIMSELF.--When the fourth Evangelist
uses the word _Jews_, he invariably means the Sanhedrim. John had
become so famous, and his influence so commanding, that he could not be
ignored by the religious leaders of the time. In their hearts they
derided him, and desired to do with him "whatsoever they listed." His
preaching of repentance, and his unmeasured denunciation of themselves
as a brood of vipers, were not to be borne. But they forbore to meet
him in the open field, and resolved to send a deputation, which might
extract some admission from his lips that would furnish them with
ground for subsequent action. "The Jews sent unto him from Jerusalem
priests and Levites to ask him, 'Who art thou?' ... 'Why bapt