Hi Everyone-
Great responses and all points covered. As many of you said, through the context of the Scriptures you know John was referring to sacrifice. John was sent as the messenger to proclaim the arrival of the Messiah and to prepare the people through the baptism of water and repentance. "For I baptize with water, but He will baptize you with the Spirit."
"Sins of the world" - great thoughts here, especially those referring not only to the Jews but also the Gentiles and the atonement for ALL, future, present, and past.
Bob