The Lamb of God

Introduction

John’s gospel is intended to convince the reader that Jesus is the Son of God and through faith in him that you may have eternal life. John’s approach is to bring a series of witnesses forward for consideration. There are seven miracles, seven long conversations, a number of people who testify, and ultimately Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. All of this evidence makes it appear that we are at a trial of great interest.

This “trial” is not just any trial. The events have already occurred. The facts are clear. What is left is the reader’s decision about the facts. Like a jury presented with this information every person must decide about the facts. In this case, we are not one of twelve deciding guilt or innocence. Each person must take the facts, the conversations, the miracles, and the death and resurrection and decide life or death not for Jesus but for self. John’s purpose is to persuade us that Jesus is the Christ and that we would choose to place our faith in him. To do so will result in eternal life.

In today’s text, John the Baptizer is called again as a witness. Having already given partial testimony in the prologue, John is called again to finish his testimony. The result is the same. Those who are religious leaders reject John’s testimony as invalid. But others hear his testimony and become convinced that Jesus is the chosen one of God. From the beginning, we are not only presented with the evidence, but we are given the opportunity to see what some do with the evidence when presented. We, too, are given an opportunity in the section that we will study today to decide about Jesus. But the decision for Jesus is not just mental assent. Something changes when we agree that Jesus is the chosen one of God. That something will challenge us today. Let’s be prepared to not just listen but to act upon our decision.

John’s testimony is straightforward and yet it is not simplistic. We have to think in order to understand his testimony. Some thought John was the chosen one of God. But John clearly denies that role. He is instead the forerunner of the chosen one. His role is to prepare the people for the chosen one. It is a role of humility. It is a role which turns away from the applause of the crowd and tries to focus attention on another. It is a selfless role, but an important one. Jesus, in another gospel account, says that no one greater than John had come into the world.

This is what validates John’s testimony. He has every opportunity to make himself look good. He can accept the applause. Some are willing to follow him no matter the cost, but John turns away from the potential status and instead focuses on Jesus. John testifies that Jesus is so great that he, John, is not able to untie his shoes. Such humility then leads to a statement of truth and fact.

John calls Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Such a proclamation means we have to think about what he means. The lamb was used for sacrifice. Not all sacrifices were the same, but when a lamb presented on a special occasion with the right intent and motive brought forgiveness to the family or nation. John is using this same idea to describe Jesus. John is proclaiming Jesus’ intent and purpose and his ability to fulfill that motive. Not an animal to take away sin only to be offered again and again. Not an animal which can only take away the sin of a person, a family or a nation. John is claiming that Jesus is the sacrifice that will take away the sin of all.

One can almost hear an objection. “This is his opinion. We want facts.” John quickly responds. How do I know this to be true? Because I saw the sign of the Spirit descend and land on Jesus. This was the sign that God himself had told me would come on the one he had chosen. John says I am an eyewitness to the event and the interpretation is from God himself.

A powerful testimony. So powerful that Andrew and an unnamed companion turn immediately and begin following Jesus. Not only are they convinced but Andrew seeks out his brother Peter who also finds Jesus to be the chosen one of God. Then Philip and Nathanael turn to Jesus as well. Our first witness—John the Baptizer—has completed this round of testimony. He will return a little later, but for now we are left to ponder the evidence. Let’s think about this evidence as we share some songs.

What Are You Looking For?

Have you ever bought a used car? My brother is a used car manager in Nashville and in the past few years with Spenser and Maria wanting cars, I have called him to be on the lookout for a quality used car. His question is “what are you looking for?” Fair question. He needs to know things like model, mileage, style so that he can get for me what I want.

Ever gone to buy a new suit or dress from a store? You begin looking at the racks of clothes and a salesperson comes over and says “may I help you?” and if you are in a real buying mood you tell the person that you want to buy a new suit or dress. And the salesperson will ask “what are you looking for in a new suit or dress?” Color, style, function may help them be more helpful.

Someone is looking for a potential person to date or marry. They have to think about qualities that are important. The question certainly is “what are you looking for?” Andrew and his friend have just heard John call Jesus the Lamb of God. They immediately turn to follow him and Jesus asks in verse 38 “What do you want?” The KJV translates this verse “What do you seek?” It is the idea of “what are you looking for?” And their answer is “where are you staying?” In other words, we are looking for a place to call home. We are looking for your home so we can make it ours too.

What are you looking for? You who say you believe that Jesus is the chosen one of God; you who believe that Jesus is the chosen one of God—what are you looking for? As you ponder the evidence that John has presented are you convinced that Jesus is the chosen one of God? Of course, you say. I know that Jesus is the chosen one of God. What difference does such conviction make in your life?

Are you convinced enough to bring another to him like Andrew did by bringing Peter and Philip in bringing Nathanael? Are you convinced enough to testify about Jesus each day you live? Are you convinced enough to be a person of humility and turn the focus away from you and toward Jesus? Are you convinced enough that your faith remains intact when things fall apart?

What are you looking for? Only you can answer that question. But I know one thing—there were those in John’s day who were trying to find the chosen one of God. They thought John might have been the one. He wasn’t. But John told them the truth: “among you stands one you do not know.” Whatever answer you give to the question of what you are looking for, if we are not wise we will spend time and energy looking for someone or something and miss the one who stands with us. Jesus is the one who takes away the sin of the world. Have you brought your sin to him? Invitation.

Follow Jesus

If you’d like to respond to this message or learn more about following Jesus, please reach out.