1. Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.

John 1:29

Of all the titles John the Baptist could have given Jesus, why do you think he chose “Lamb of God”? What does it mean for our sin to be taken away?

The Sacrifice—Propitiation

The first goat was sacrificed by the high priest. The blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled upon the mercy seat in the holy of holies, which was hidden from view by a veil. This goat signified that even though sin deserves death, God approved a substitute to take the place of the people.

This turning away of God’s wrath from the guilty to the substitute is called propitiation.

The Scapegoat—Expiation

The second goat is often called “the scapegoat” (in case you’re wondering where that phrase came from). The high priest would lay his hands on the goat to communicate that the sins of the people had been passed on to the goat. Instead of being sacrificed, this goat was taken out of the city and released into the wilderness. This act signified that God had removed the sins of the people.

The removal of sins from the guilty to a substitute sin-bearer is called expiation.

On which aspect of Christ’s atoning work do you think John the Baptist was focusing when he called Jesus the “Lamb of God”? In what ways does the work of Christ provide propitiation and expiation?

In one act of sacrifice, the perfect Son of God died in the place of sinful humanity (substitution),

absorbing the punishment we deserved (propitiation)

and removing the burden of guilt associated with our sins (expiation).

If God has promised never to bring up our sin again, why do we? What does constant reflection on our past sins communicate about our view of God and the gospel?

No longer does John need to ‘prepare the way,’ since the one for whom the preparation was being made is right there before his eyes…But now he who of old was dimly pictured, the very Lamb, the spotless Sacrifice, is led to the slaughter for all, that he might drive away the sin of the world, that he might overturn the destroyer of the earth, that dying for all he might annihilate death, that he might undo the curse that is upon us.

2. Jesus is the Lamb who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

John 1:30-34

In what ways does pride hinder us from truly worshiping Christ? In what ways does humility put us in the proper posture for worship? How can we cultivate humility?

Why is it necessary for the Holy Spirit to indwell God’s people? What happens when we seek to fulfill Christ’s mission without relying on the Spirit?

Christ has made an atonement so complete that he never need suffer again. No more drops of blood; no more pangs of heart; no more bitterness and darkness, with exceeding heaviness, even unto death, are needed.

O that the world might know the all-atoning Lamb! Spirit of faith, descend and show the virtue of his name; the grace which all may find, the saving power, impart, and testify to humankind, and speak in every heart.

3. Jesus is the Lamb who calls people to a life of discipleship.

John 1:35-42

What are the signs that someone is growing in maturity as a follower of Jesus Christ? How can we help each other make disciples who in turn make disciples?

What are some common things we base our identity on? How does Christ’s call affect our view of ourselves? What role does “missionary” have in the new identity Christ has given us?

Discipling is learning and living the ways of Jesus so that others learn and live His ways, too, so that others learn and live His ways, too, and so on.

Our job is not to transform people into Christians nor to convict them of their sin. It is not our responsibility to make people do what they ought to do. Our task is to bring them to Jesus, and He will perform His divine work in their lives.