Place: Tunstall Apo. Date: Pm Sunday, 9th December 2007.
Text: John 1:29. Theme: The Lamb of God.
Introduction: Reading: John 1:29.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
Many years ago, a woman named Sarah Hale wrote one of the best-known and best-loved children's poems ever written. Most of you probably know that poem. It is “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” It goes like this:
Mary had a little lamb;
its fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go.
Christmas will be here soon, the day we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. Sometimes, Jesus is often called “The Lamb of God,” and since Jesus' mother was named Mary, I thought I would read a new poem called “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” It might help us to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Mary had a little Lamb, His name was Jesus Christ.
Though some may not believe it, He came to give us life.
This little Lamb was special, For He was sent from God.
And so to earth He came one day, On His mission He did trod.
He grew to be a fine young man, Mary’s little Lamb.
He healed the sick and raised the dead, and taught as no one can.
Then, in the prime of man-hood, His mission He did alter,
He set His heart toward an old rugged cross, and never ever faltered.
He gave Himself a sacrifice for the sin of mortal man.
His death and blood atone for sin like no other lamb’s can.
1ST POINT: A Substitution Lamb.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
A. Lambs were commonly used for sin-offerings in the Old Testament.
\\ B. Two lambs were killed every day at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. This speaks of continual substitution. The blood was shed every day, twice a day, for the sins of Israel. There was daily intercession.
In each of these offerings, the lamb was the substitute for Israel’s sins. They died in place of Israel. Jesus, Mary’s little Lamb, was our substitute. He died in our place. He died an atoning death!
Isaiah 53:5
“But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.”
Mary’s little Lamb was a substitution Lamb.
\\ 2ND POINT: A Supernatural Lamb.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
All other lambs were chosen by men, but not Mary’s Lamb. He was chosen, appointed, approved and accepted by God.
Luke 1:30-32, 35 “Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.
And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”
Mary’s little Lamb was a substitution Lamb, a supernatural Lamb.
3RD POINT: A Sacrificial Lamb.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
The death of the lamb was the sacrifice demanded by God. Through His sacrifice on Calvary. Jesus, the Lamb of God, takes away everything that is offensive to God and destructive to men.
He takes away the:
A. Penalty of sin by the merit of His death
B. Power of sin by the Spirit of His grace.
The word “takes” is in the present tense. The “cost” effect of Christ’s sacrifice is everlasting.
The fountain of His forgiveness never fails. Mary’s little Lamb was a substitution Lamb, a supernatural Lamb, a sacrificial Lamb.
4TH POINT: A Sought Lamb.
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
It is our duty to “behold” the Lamb of God and to find Him for ourselves! Christ’s sacrifice is effective for every man, for YOU and me, but it is only effective for those who behold Him with the eyes of faith.
CONCLUSION:
Yes, Mary had a little Lamb, He gave His life a sacrifice, So He could be our Saviour. Do you know Mary’s little Lamb? John said: “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.”
