This weekend we will explore what it means that Jesus fulfills the promises of God in the Old Testament, ultimately as the Lamb of God who reveals the full meaning of the Passover and salvation. This significance of the Lamb of God.
Texts: John 1:29-36; Genesis 22:8; Exodus 12:1-3; John 19:14; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Leviticus 1:4; Romans 8:3; Hebrews 10:10-14; Isaiah 53:7; Revelation 5:6-8, 7:17, 17:14
SERMON OUTLINE
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29)
Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29-36)
God Provides a Lamb: Abraham & Isaac (Genesis 22:8)
God Delivers with a Lamb: The Passover (Exodus 12:1-13; John 19:14; 1 Corinthians 5:7)
God Makes Peace with a Lamb: Sacrifice (Leviticus 1:3-4; Romans 8:3; Hebrews 10:10-14)
God Heals with a Lamb: God’s Servant (Isaiah 53:7)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This weekend we continue our series, “Name Above All Names,” by focusing on Jesus as the “lamb of God.” Begin your study by quieting yourself before God. Next, ask God to speak to you through His word as you read John 1:29-36 aloud.
- What does John the Baptist say about Jesus in these verses?
- There are many symbols within the Hebrew Scriptures related to the lamb. We will explore many of those in this study. Read Genesis 22:1-19. What was significant about the lamb in this passage? God literally provides a lamb, but what is the value of the lamb in this story?
- Now read Exodus 12:1-13. Here, the lamb is not quite a sacrifice, but does have direct impact on God’s work on Israel’s behalf. What role does the lamb have in the celebration of Passover?
- Jesus is linked with the Passover lamb in the timing of his crucifixion (John 19:14) and by the Apostle Paul in his writings (1 Corinthians 5:7). How is Jesus like the Passover lamb?
- Each day, the Hebrew priests were required to offer sacrifices on the behalf of the people (Leviticus 1:4). While there were other types of sacrifices (e.g., doves, bulls), the lamb was another type of those. Read Hebrews 10:10-14 and reflect on how Jesus is a new sacrifice? What does that mean?
- There was also a connection between the lamb and the suffering Servant of God proph- esied about by Isaiah the prophet. Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12. What does this prophecy tell us about the Messiah as a sacrificial lamb (see especially 53:7)?
- In the book of Revelation, Jesus is described multiple times through lamb imagery. Read Revelation 5:6; 7:17; and 17:14. What is the imagery of the lamb here?
- Now reflect again on John the Baptist’s statement about Jesus in John 1:29. What do you think it means that Jesus is the lamb of God?
- What does this mean to you personally?
- What is one thing that God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize John 1:29 this week.
- Explore resources at The Bible Project’s web-site on sacrifice and atonement within the Scripture here.