Emmanuel's Sacrifice: Jesus Christ, God's Lamb & Son, Bearing the Weight of Our Sins
Journey Through the Gospel of John • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction
Introduction
Our study of John 1 leads us to the next event recorded in this great chapter.Last week, John the Baptist was front and center. The religious leaders of that day, the Pharisees, sent a delegation to inquire about John’s identity. They asked, Who are you? As we know, John replied that he was not the Messiah, Elijah, or even a prophet. Instead, John was a voice crying in the wilderness, seeking to prepare the way for the Messiah. They then turned their attention to his actions. Why are you baptizing people? John’s answer was interesting as he stated that he baptized with water. He then ends his conversation with them by saying...
26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
We must keep this in mind as we read these accounts. Each person listed in these accounts, outside of the Lord Jesus Christ, was people like you and me. They are not people who have supernatural abilities. John the Baptist was not all-knowing. He lived moment by moment, just like we do. After he met with this religious delegation, he had no idea what would occur the next day. We have the incredible privilege of living today and seeing the entire history of the story as it unfolded. However, John was living each day in obedience to his calling. John only knew that he was called to prepare the way, and he did his job. However, as the events unfolded the next day, John’s mission was fully realized in Jesus Christ.
28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
The next day, after this religious delegation arrived and interrogated John the Baptist, Jesus walked into their lives. It is no coincidence or luck. No, it was planned. The religious crowd was there sent by the religious leaders of that day. Remember, these are the Pharisees whose entire belief system is built upon their understanding of the Law and the Prophets. By the way, they knew the Scriptures. They knew all the prophecies , related to the coming Messiah. They even knew the prophecies concerning Elijah. Yet, the Pharisees and many other Jews were looking for a Messiah, a Prophet, who would come as King. Their minds were set on the promise that the Messiah would restore His kingdom, removing them from under Roman bondage. Interestingly, they had no desire for a Savior, a Priest. Was not that evident by their questions concerning John? Are you Elijah? Are you that prophet? They did not ask are you the One Who will take away our sins. It is no different today. People think that a new government will make the difference or a new philosophical way of living. They are not seeking a savior.
As we see Jesus approaching, the words that come out of John’s mouth are not “Behold, the Eternal King of the Jews!” John did not cry out, “Behold, the One comes in the spirit of Elijah!”No, he cried, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” You see, Christ did not come the first time as King or even as a Prophet. He came as God’s Lamb! He came as a sacrificial lamb because that is precisely what they needed. Is it any different today? People do not need a king or a prophet; they need a Savior. Once you accept Him as Savior, He becomes King and a Prophet in our lives.
Two main events happen in this story.
The first is Jesus approaching John the Baptist. As he approaches, in that very moment, God reveals to John that this is the Lamb of God.
The second event is John baptizing Jesus. As we know, something significant happens during the baptism. As John raises Jesus out of the water (immersion baptism), the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus as a dove and remains. John immediately proclaims that Jesus is God’s Son. Both of these proclamations are extremely important and not coincidental. As we do, I want to keep this thought in our minds this morning.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Christ became flesh, Emmanuel. Why did He come? He came solely to offer himself as a sacrifice for our sins.
Here is our first point.
Emmanuel's Sacrifice as the Lamb of God.
Emmanuel's Sacrifice as the Lamb of God.
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
As noted John spies Jesus coming towards him. Immediately, John, as I see it, points to Jesus and states emphatically that He is the Lamb of God. This is a significant revelation. Now, remember, in this chapter, we see the deity of Christ openly declared.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Jesus Christ is Logos, the eternal Word.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Jesus Christ is Life, everlasting Life.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Jesus Christ is Light, which overcomes all darkness.
In our text today, we see Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God.
Why a Lamb?
Why did John not proclaim Christ as Logos, Light, or Life? Instead, he says to all of Israel, “Behold the Lamb of God.”
The answer comes as we take a short trip through Scripture. As we do, we find God uses sacrificial lambs repeatedly for atonement.
The first lamb sacrificed is found in Genesis 4 when Abel sacrifices the firstlings of his flock. In this instance, the sacrifice of a lamb was for an individual.
Then, in Exodus 12, God institutes the sacrificing of a Lamb, and its blood is applied for atonement. This sacrifice was made for an entire household.
In Leviticus 16, God instated the Day of Atonement and the sacrifice of a lamb for an entire nation.
However, in our text, John now proclaims Christ as the Lamb of God who has come to sacrifice Himself for the entire world.
But why a lamb? God required lambs that were without blemish. All of which were symbols pointing to the coming perfect Lamb of God.
Note 1 Peter 1:19
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Consider the character of a lamb for a moment this morning and compare it with Christ.
Lambs are gentle. They are the gentlest of all animals. Innocence is often associated with lambs. Christ, in the same manner, was gentle with all He met, and when the day came for Him to go to the cross, He voluntarily went.
32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
The phrase “like a lamb dumb before his shearer” speaks to the fact that he gently, without resisting, went to the cross. He willingly gave up His life for ours. He was not driven. He was not forced, even though men like to think they forced Him to do so. No, not once during the beatings, the humiliation, and the unjust treatment did He resist. No, we see Christ as calm, humble, and gentle as a lamb brought before the shearers.
However, note the rest of John’s proclamation.
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
He, the Lord Jesus Christ, was the Lamb “which taketh away the sin of the world.” What a fantastic understanding of Christ!
Sin could only be atoned by one thing.
22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
If you read the entirety of Hebrews 9, you will find that it compares the sacrifice Christ made as God’s lamb to the Old Testament sacrifices. As we already know, God demanded that Israel’s atonement for sin come through the blood of a sacrificed lamb. However, that sacrificed lamb could not be any lamb. No, God required that sacrifice a spotless lamb without any blemish. The Holy Spirit now argues in Hebrews 9 that the Heavenly sacrifice, which would take away the world's sins, must come in the same manner as the Old Testament sacrifices. However, the Old Testament sacrifices themselves were not sufficient. No, heavenly things require “better sacrifices than these.”
There had to be a Heavenly sacrifice made if the world's sins were to be atoned. And, by the way, it also had to be a blood sacrifice, for “without shedding of blood is no remission.”
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Compare that verse with our text.
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
The “sin of the world” refers to our natural condition. We are all born sinners. We are born already under God’s condemnation. Note again that is the “sin of the world.” In other words, no one is exempt other than Christ Himself. Romans 3:23 states we are all sinners and have fallen short of God’s glory. Romans 3:10 states that there is none righteous, no not one. Thus, Christ appeared (He became flesh and dwelt among us) to “put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
However, let me say this. This phrase “which taketh away the sin of the world” only applies to those who truly believe that Christ is the Lamb of God.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
We, who have accepted Christ as the Lamb of God, are free from God’s condemnation. Why are we free? Because the Lamb of God came, died, shed His own blood, and sacrificed Himself for us. Now, all who believe in Him are free and no longer suffer under God’s condemnation.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
I direct your attention once again to the fact that John pointed at Christ and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” The word “Behold” essentially means “Look and see!” John directed everyone’s attention to Christ. Look, he says, to Him who comes offering to bear your sins. He is the One.
30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
I declare the same message unto you this morning.
“Behold, Christ is the Lamb of God which came and offered Himself taking away your sin.”
Look now to the Lamb of God! Turn from the darkness and bondage of sin. Look to Him, Who can set you free. Look and see! Behold, He comes inviting you to accept Him into your life.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Behold, Emmanuel, God in the flesh, stands at your hearts door this morning. He is knocking. Will you open the door of your heart?
Remember two things take place the day Christ approaches John. The first was His approach and John’s proclamation that He, Jesus Christ, is the Lamb of God.
But another interesting thing happens as well.
32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
Here is my next point.
Emmanuel’s Sacrifice as God’s Son.
Emmanuel’s Sacrifice as God’s Son.
There are several interesting things that happen at the time of Christ’s baptism noted in John’s account.
32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
The fact that John recorded that the Spirit appeared as a dove resting upon John is important. The Spirit descending attested once again that Christ is God. However, the fact He appeared as a dove cannot be overlooked. Doves are birds that often symbolize love. Thus, the dove symbolizes the love of God for His Son and us.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Christ, as God’s Son, came because of God’s great love for us. Thus, it was fitting that the Spirit of God would descend as dove upon the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son.
Note John’s words right after this.
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Spirit states through John’s account that he, John the Baptist, would “see the Spirit descending, and REMAINING on him.”I stress the word “remaining” for this simple reason. God’s Word is precise. All the other Gospel accounts speak of the Holy Spirit descending upon Him, but none mention that the Holy Spirit remained upon Him—note Matthew's account for a quick example.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Why the difference in John? Again, you must remember that the Holy Spirit gives us John’s account to cement the fact that Christ is God. And thus, we see again the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one. Unlike others before Christ in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit did not descend and depart. No, He descends upon Christ and remains. We see perfect fellowship between all three persons of the Godhead. Now, note something else in our text.
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
You might recall from last week’s text and message that John stated that he baptized with water. It was an odd statement at the time. However, now it all makes sense. You see, John’s baptism, as well as ours today, can only be with water. However, Christ is God. His baptism is much greater than ours. He baptizes with the Holy Ghost. His ability to do so is yet another proof that He is God.
Now note verse 34.
34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
John’s work as the forerunner of Christ comes to a conclusion. His work is done. John the Baptist now exits from center stage. From this moment on, Christ is center stage. He becomes the lead actor. Yet, as John steps aside, he does so by once again testifying that Christ is the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament. There are seven statements made by John the Baptist proclaiming Christ as the Son of God.
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
In these seven statements, John testified of Christ’s pre-existence (he was before me), lordship (make straight the way of the Lord), superiority (I am not worthy to unloose), sacrificial work (Behold the Lamb), sinless perfection (the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove), ability to baptize with the Spirit (he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost), and divine position as God’s Son (this is the Son of God).
John’s testimony and message rings true today. Christ is the Lamb of God and He is God’s Son. He came for one single purpose. He came on a rescue mission. He came to rescue us from the darkness and bondage of sin. He came to do what only He could do. He came to shed His own blood for so that we might be redeemed.
Behold, this morning, the Lamb which is the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, came to earth for one purpose. He came to sacrifice Himself for you and me. He did that very thing on Mount Calvary. His blood was spilt as the perfect sacrifice, the perfect Lamb of God. As He hung upon the cross, He bore the full weight of our sins. As God’s Son, He demonstrated God’s great love by His sacrifice. Even while we were sinners, Christ died for us. There is no greater message than the news that God Himself sacrificed Himself for us. Christ stands now this morning possessing eternal life. A gift given to Him by the Father as reward for His sacrifice. In turn, Christ offers eternal life to all who will believer. This morning I declare to all who will believer and accept, “Behold, look and see, the Lamb of God, God’s begotten Son, who takes away the weight of your sin!” Will you accept Him into your life today? For us, as believers, let’s rejoice at what He has done!