R.A. Torrey explores John the Baptist's profound testimony about Jesus Christ, emphasizing John's role in preparing the way for the Messiah and his recognition of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The sermon delves into the inquiries made by the priests and Levites, revealing their misconceptions about John's identity and the prophetic significance of his ministry. Torrey highlights the importance of John's declaration of Jesus' divine nature and the descent of the Holy Spirit as confirmation of Jesus' identity. The message encourages believers to invite others to recognize and accept Jesus as the Savior, reflecting on the implications of His sacrificial role. Ultimately, Torrey calls for a deeper understanding of Scripture and a commitment to sharing the Gospel.

DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS 1. John’s Testimony Before the Priests and Levites, vv. 19–28 What proof have we of the far-reaching impression of John the Baptist’s work? What was the purpose of the Jews in sending these priests and Levites to make inquiry of John the Baptist? What was the first question they put to him? What characteristic of John comes out in his answer? Who did the Jews think he might be? (v. 20). If not the Christ, who did they think he might be? (v. 21, R. V.). What was the Jewish expectation regarding Elijah? (Matt. 17:10). Was there any sense in which John was Elijah? (Matt. 17:12, 13). In what sense was he Elijah? (Luke 1:17). If not Elijah, who did they think he might be? Whom did they mean by “that prophet”? (Deut. 18:15–19). Who did John tell them that he really was? What characteristic of John comes out in that answer? Where did John learn this answer? (Is. 40:3–5). To what party did these messengers belong? What were the characteristics of that party? Of what did they demand an explanation? (v. 25). What two baptisms did John compare? (vv. 26, 33). What comparisons did he draw between himself and Jesus? 2. John’s Testimony Before His Disciples, vv. 29–34 For what purpose was Jesus coming to John? (v. 37). What was John’s testimony concerning Jesus? What did John mean by calling Jesus “the Lamb”? (Is. 53:6, 7, 10; Ex. 12:3, 6, 7, 13). Why the “Lamb of God”? (1 Pet. 1:18–20; Ro. 8:32; Gen. 22:8). What did John invite those who stood with him to do in regard to “the Lamb”? What is it the business of the Christian worker today to invite the world to do? How can he do this? (1 Cor. 1:23). What is meant by “taketh away the sin”? (Hos. 14:2; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; Titus 2:14; Heb. 9:26, 28; 1 John 3:5; 4:10; Lev. 16:21, 22; Ps. 103:12). How much sin did He take away? (1 John 2:2). For whom then is the Gospel offer open? (Rev. 22:17). If Jesus “taketh away the sin of the world,” why is any man lost? (John 3:18, 19; 5:40; Heb. 10:28, 29). Where did John get this wonderful view of Christ and His work? (Is. 53:6, 10, 11; v. 33). What previous testimony that he had given concerning Jesus did John repeat? (v. 30). What did John mean by saying “He was before me”? (v. 2; 8:58; 17:5; Col. 1:17). Did John know who was to be the Messiah and the Lamb of God when he entered on his ministry? What was all that he did know? Did he ask for any more light at that time? What did he do? (Mark 1:3–5; Acts 19:4). For what was he content to wait before he should recognize the One for whom he was so faithfully preparing the way? Do we know when Christ will come again? What do we know? (Acts 1:11). If we were like John what would we do? What was John’s further testimony concerning Jesus? What fact had John emphasized beside that the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus? To what word in the Old Testament prophecy does this “abode” in John’s testimony correspond? (Is. 11:2). Of what was the descent and abiding of the Spirit upon Jesus a proof to John? Why was it a conclusive proof? What is the only conclusive proof of any view or opinion that we hold? (Is. 8:20; John 10:35; Matt. 24:35). Had John had any thought whatever before this that Jesus was the Christ? (Matt. 3:13, 14). For what did John wait before he proclaimed his view to the world? What lesson is there here for us? Is the testimony of such a man of much value? What are you going to do with it? What power on Christ’s part was connected with the abiding of the Spirit upon Himself? How far can we impart the Spirit to others? What is it John tells us that Jesus can do for us? Has He ever done it for you? Do you want Him to? What will be the effects of that baptism? (1 Cor. 12:4–13; Acts 1:8; 4:31; Heb. 1:9; John 4:14; 15:26, 27; 16:7–14). What further testimony did John give regarding Jesus? Did John say that Jesus was a Son of God? How much does that mean? (v. 18; 3:16, 18, 35; 5:22, 23; Matt. 11:27; 26:63, 64; Luke 1:35; Ro. 1:4; Heb. 1:1, 2, 3, 5, 6). What is God’s verdict upon all who deny the deity of Jesus? (1 John 2:22, 23, cf. 1 John 5:1, 5). Was John’s testimony founded upon a guess? (v. 34). Is it worth receiving? Will you receive it? Is there any testimony greater even than that of John? (John 5:36). CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS 1. The Triune God (1). The Father: Speaks to man, bears witness to His Son, His clear and sufficient directions to His obedient servants, leads His servants one step at a time, 33; the demands of His holiness met by His Son in His atonement, 29. (2). The Son: His nature—divine, 34; human, 33. His character—humble—took the sinner’s place, sinless, 29 (cf. Ex. 12:5). John’s testimony concerning Jesus (founded upon what he saw, v. 34)—the Lamb of God, bore the sin of the world, v. 29; the Spirit descended upon Him, the Spirit abode upon Him, 32; the Spirit imparted by Him, 33; the Son of God, 34. The Father’s testimony—“He that baptizeth with the Holy Spirit,” 33. (3). The Holy Spirit: His personality, distinction between Him and the Father and the Son, anointing Jesus for His work, the Father’s gift to the Son, the Son’s gift to us, 32, 33. 2. The Bible Its authority and sufficiency. John from the deep study of it became wiser than any of his contemporaries and than many modern theologians, 33 (cf. Isaiah 53; Micah 5:2). 3. Model Preaching (John the Baptist) Intensely Biblical, 29, 30; exceedingly positive, 34; emphasized Jesus’ deity and atonement, 29, 34 the combined product of Bible study and personal experience, 33, 34.