John 1:19-36

Introduction:

1. This section is filled with allusions and citations from the OT.

2. This word portrait speaks to our greatest need, atonement for sin.

Discussion:

I. John’s Role as Forerunner (1:19-31)

A. John denied being the Messiah, Elijah (cf. Malachi 4:5; Matthew 11:11-15; 17:10-13), or the Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-18; John 6:14; Acts 3:22-26).

B. He said he was the forerunner sent to clear His way (Isaiah 40:1-3; Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 1:16-17, 76-79; 3:4-6; John 3:28).

C. John embraced his subservience (1:26-28, 30-31; 3:25-31).

II. Behold The Lamb of God (1:29-36)

A. The sacrificial lamb has a rich history in the OT.

1. Abel’s better sacrifice (Genesis 4:4; Hebrews 11:4)

2. The Passover feast (Exodus 12; cf. 1 Corinthians 5:7)

3. The daily sacrifice at the tabernacle/temple (Exodus 29:38-42)

4. The day of atonement (Leviticus 16)

B. A key distinction between this Lamb and those lambs is that He willingly gave His life as a sacrifice (John 10:17-18; Philippians 2:5-11).

C. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 paints this image vividly.

III. The Removal of Sin (1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 2:21-25)

A. The lamb of God, says John, takes away the sin of the world.

B. The same profound truth is present in Hebrews 9-10 (esp. 9:11-15, 28; 10:1-4) and 1 Peter 2:21-25, both speaking of His removing our sins.

C. Best of all, their removal is complete (Psalms 103:11-12; Hebrews 8:12).

Conclusion:

1. There is only one Lamb of God to take away our sins (cf. John 14:6).

2. The whole of the gospel is a call to embrace Him as such.

3. How have we answered that call?