Behold the Lamb of God

Message Worksheet Name: Bryan Hudson Type of Message: [ ] Topical [ X ] Expository: Scripture Text: John 1:29-39 My Title: Behold the Lamb of God: From Promise to Preeminence My Theme: The challenges and blessings of following Jesus as the preeminent person and power of the universe My Purpose: To help people understand the necessity of following Jesus more than following anything or anyone else. To show how a great man like John the Baptist, who had followers, could put Jesus first and send his people to Him Introduction Technique Used: Four things known to exist: Time, Space, Energy, Matter, Show how one of the greatest minds that ever lived, Albert Einstein, spent, some say wasted, the second half of his life looking for a theory to explain all other theories, a “unified field theory.” He never found it. Often times we live in frustration because we search for things, and the purpose of those things, that we cannot find. Body: • Main Point 1: Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away sin: what does this mean? Passover lamb: Suggests deliverance Morning/evening offering of imperfect lambs in temple for sins: Suggests one perfect offering Lamb to slaughter (Is. 53): Suggests death A horned lamb was the symbol of victory used by the Maccabees (In 164 BCE, By the end of the war, they ushered in an 80-year period of Jewish independence.): Jesus was the champion of God who fought with sin and mastered it in single contest. “Lamb” used 21 times in revelation It is a word that sums up Jesus’ work, In one word it sums up the love, the sacrifice, the suffering and the triumph of Christ. • Main Point 2: John, like so many other things, was the center of attention until Jesus came AMP] 31, This is He of Whom I said, After me comes a Man Who has priority over me [Who takes rank above me] because He was before me and existed before I did. Jesus is preeminent Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. John was Jesus’ cousin. He knew who he was, but he did not know “what” he was until He was baptized and the Spirit of God came upon him and stayed. • Main Point 3: When Jesus comes, everyone and everything shifts to serve the Lordship and preeminence of Jesus. 30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water. John exalted Jesus in a way that cause his disciple to follow Him. John knew that he was not the center of attraction. He was the one who drew back the curtain to show the world the main attraction, Jesus. This is the reason why as a baby in Elizabeth’s womb, he reacted to the presence of Jesus in the womb of Mary when the two women met (Luke 1:41). John responded then and he responded now. 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” What do you want?” This was a customary respond my a Rabbi or teacher. Students had to show their willingness and eagerness to learn. Jesus didn’t have time for people who just wanted to “hang out” with Him.” “Where are you staying?” Not a question about His accommodations, but a request to be committed to Jesus leadership. “Come and see” We would say, “Let’s roll.” It sounds simple, but it’s more like joining the army during a time of war. Army: “Be all you can be.” Air Force: “Aim High.” Marines: “Looking for a few good men.” When Jesus says, “Come and See,” you are entering the learning zone, followed by the battle zone, followed by the victory zone. • Illustration: Did you know that the 747 jet that is used to transport the President is not really called Air Force One? It’s real name is SAM 27000. It becomes Air Force One when the President is one it. Any airplane that the President is one becomes Air Force One. Even a crop duster would be AFO if an acting President of the United States is on it. This is done to show his preeminence and to clear the air space around him. Everyone and everything has to shift when the President is moving. Conclusion: Review your main points. I know of a far greater power than the President of these United States. I know someone who flies higher, goes farther and will reign for more than two terms. I know someone that I would rather following more than anyone who lives or as ever lived. I know someone who said to me 27 years ago, Bryan “Come and See” and I have been rolling with Him ever since. • His name is Jesus and He is the “Lamb of God!’ • He takes away the sin of the world, He took away my sin. • He will take away your sin. • He did not just suffer and die. He rose from the dead and he reigns everyday, 24/7. Behold the Lamb of God!