115Session 10

SESSioN 10

Behold the Lamb!Jesus’ Identity and Role as the Lamb of God

Summary and Goal

In this session, we will explore the significance of John the Baptist’s identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God. As the Lamb, Jesus takes away the sin of the world, baptizes His people with the Holy Spirit, and calls followers to a life of discipleship. Those who repent of their sin and trust in Christ have had their sins removed and have been indwelled by the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live according to our new identity—followers of Jesus Christ who actively call others to follow Him too.

Steps to Prepare

1. Read the main passage for this lesson, recording your insights and questions:

- John 1:29-42

2. Study the Expanded Lesson Content (pp. 118-125).

- Determine what elements of this lesson are most applicable to your particular group. - Consider ways to personalize the lesson content for you and your class.

3. Review the Teaching Plan (pp. 116-117).

- Refine the lesson plan based on your group’s particular needs. - Adjust the plan if necessary.

4. Pray for the Lord’s guidance as you lead your group through this material.

Lesson Outline1. Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

2. Jesus is the Lamb who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:30-34).

3. Jesus is the Lamb who calls people to a life of discipleship (John 1:35-42).

© 2013 LifeWay Christian Resources. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute within the license agreement with purchaser.

116 Leader Guide | Spring 2014

introduce the Lesson Begin by reviewing the Old Testament witness to the sacrificial lamb. Then introduce the New Testament and some of the images used to describe Jesus: Lamb, Shepherd, Lion (leader p. 118; personal study p. 93).

Why do you think the biblical writers used so many titles to describe Jesus’ life and work? In what ways is Jesus like a lamb? In what ways is Jesus like a lion? A shepherd?

Summarize the session and use “The Atonement Thread” to remind your group where we are within the biblical story line (leader p. 118; personal study p. 93).

1. Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Introduce the ministry of John the Baptist (and his connection to Isaiah). Then read John 1:29 (leader p. 119; personal study p. 94).

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?

Connect John’s use of “Lamb of God” to the Day of Atonement. Explain the two goats involved: the sacrifice that represented the turning away of God’s wrath (propitiation) and the scapegoat that represented the removal of our sin (expiation) (leader p. 119; personal study p. 94).

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?

Highlight the significance of the scapegoat and the meaning of expiation. Connect this to how Jesus was taken out of the city and crucified (leader p. 120; personal study p. 95).

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?

For Further DiscussionWrite down every title or description of Jesus your group can think of. Then ask how each of these titles is connected to Christ’s work on the cross.

For Further DiscussionHow do you think John recognized that Jesus was the Lamb of God? What does this say about the way others today come to realize Jesus is the Lamb of God?

For Further DiscussionDiscuss some current or historical examples of “scapegoating” a group for problems caused by another.

For Further DiscussionWhat are some contemporary ways we can express the truth that the Lamb has taken away our sin?

Behold the Lamb!

Teaching Plan

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2. Jesus is the Lamb who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.As you read John 1:30-34, encourage your group to consider the significance of John’s words about Jesus existing before him. Explain how this is a reference to Christ’s divinity. A proper view of Christ’s glory will humble us and lead us to worship (leader p. 121; personal study p. 96).

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?

Highlight the meaning of being baptized with the Holy Spirit and how this truth is necessary for us to experience life transformation and power for God’s mission (leader p. 122; personal study p. 96).

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?

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

Read John 1:35-42, and use the stories of Andrew and Philip as examples of evangelistic passion that comes in the wake of seeing Jesus as the Lamb of God (leader p. 123; personal study p. 97).

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?

Highlight the significance of Peter receiving a new name. Show how the Lamb of God changes our identity and then calls us to live in light of our name (leader pp. 124-125; personal study p. 98).

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?

Discuss the “Voices from the Church” quote from Henry Blackaby about our job as Christ’s followers. Does this encourage you to evangelize? (leader p. 125; personal study p. 97)

ConclusionReview the session and end with a call to mission based on the work of Christ in our lives (leader p. 125; personal study p. 98).

For Further DiscussionHow has God assured that His disciples will fulfill His missionary mandate to make disciples of all nations? How does knowing that God dwells in you embolden you in your walk with Christ?

For Further DiscussionWhy is it necessary for discipleship to include a passion for God’s mission?

118 Leader Guide | Spring 2014

introductionIn the previous session,

we saw how the prophets of God foretold the coming of a Messiah whose death would atone for human sin. Throughout the biblical story line, we’ve seen how the lamb served as a picture of innocence and sacrifice.

When God gave His law to Moses, He established a system

of sacrifices to be performed so lawbreakers could make restitution for their sinful behavior. The blood that flowed from a spotless lamb reminded observers that forgiveness of sins could not come without sacrifice.

Now we arrive at the New Testament, where the biblical writers shine a spotlight into the shadows to reveal the Messiah in all His glory. The writers turned to a number of images to describe Jesus of Nazareth. He is the Lamb of God who takes away our sin. He is also the Good Shepherd who takes care of His sheep. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah who takes the throne.

Why do you think the biblical writers used so many titles to describe Jesus’ life and work? In what ways is Jesus like a lamb? In what ways is Jesus like a lion? A shepherd?

Lesson SummaryIn this session, we will explore the significance of John the Baptist’s

identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God. As the Lamb, Jesus takes away the sin of the world, baptizes His people with the Holy Spirit, and calls followers to a life of discipleship. Those who repent of their sin and trust in Christ have had their sins removed and have been indwelled by the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live according to our new identity—followers of Jesus Christ who actively call others to follow Him too.

Voices from Church History“Believing, then, is directing the heart’s attention to Jesus. It is lifting the mind to ‘behold the Lamb of God,’ and never ceasing that beholding for the rest of our lives.” 1

–A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)

The Atonement Thread

Garden Coverings Abraham and Isaac Passover Sacrificial Offerings Water from the Rock Bronze Snake Sign of Jonah Suffering Servant • Lamb of God Bread of Life Perfect Sacrifice Washed Robes

Behold the Lamb!

Expanded Lesson Content

Session 10

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1. Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). There is a strong connection between the messages of John the Baptist

and the prophet Isaiah. Though several hundred years separated these two men, there was a common theme in their teaching—Turn away from your sin and prepare for the coming kingdom of God.

John the Baptist preached that the kingdom was near. Those who heeded his message were baptized as a sign of their repentance. Because of John’s popularity, many wondered if he was the Messiah. But John turned attention away from himself and pointed people to Jesus. Take a look:

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

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?

John’s use of the “Lamb of God” title and the imagery of sin being taken away reminds us of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). God instituted this special day in the Old Testament (Lev. 16). There were two goats involved in the sacrifice, and the goats displayed different aspects of what must take place for sins to be forgiven.

The Sacrifice—PropitiationThe 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—ExpiationThe 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.

So one goat showed that sin must be punished, and the other showed that sin must be taken away. This was the double meaning of atonement. The Day of Atonement was an annual reminder that sin was real and God must punish it in His justice, but that in His mercy and love, a substitute could be offered in place of the sinner.

Further Commentary“As in the other canonical Gospels, the use of Isaiah 40:3 with reference to the Baptist is thus foundational to the gospel story, signaling the impending epochal intervention of God in and through his Messiah, Jesus.” 2

–Andreas Köstenberger

Further Commentary“John the Baptist’s references to Jesus as the Lamb of God may echo the lamb led to the slaughter mentioned in Isaiah 53:7. John may also have proclaimed Jesus as the apocalyptic warrior lamb who would bring judgment (Rev. 5:6,12; 7:17; cp. Matt. 3:7-12; Luke 3:7-17). ‘Takes away the sin of the world’ refers to Jesus’ sacrificial, substitutionary death, which appeased God’s wrath against sin and sinners.” 3

–Andreas Köstenberger, HCSB Study Bible

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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?

On the Day of Atonement, the sin-bearing goat would wander out into the wilderness. The people would watch until it disappeared, reflecting on the “scapegoat” that took their sins away. The scapegoat also reminded the people that sin leads to separation. It must be removed from God’s holy people.

Adam and Eve were exiled from the garden of Eden because of their sin. God’s people were later exiled from the promised land because of their sin. Why? Because sin leads to separation. If we are to know close fellowship with our Creator, our sin must be removed. The scapegoat was a powerful picture of sin being removed so God’s people could remain in His presence.

One of the psalmists captured the significance of this scene when he said, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103:12). This doesn’t mean God “forgets” our sins, for He is all-knowing. It does mean that God removes the guilt from those who believe in His Son, and He does not hold our sins against us. Sin is removed. The barrier between God and humanity comes down.

Of course, the Day of Atonement rituals had to be repeated year after year. In Hebrews, we read: “But in the sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (10:3-4).

The rest of the New Testament shows us how the unfolding of God’s plan revealed in the law’s sacrificial rituals arrives at a climax with the coming of God’s Lamb. Jesus eternally satisfied God’s righteous wrath by fulfilling the dual roles of the forsaken animal who takes away sin and the sacrificial animal who receives the death penalty our sin deserves.

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). Jesus was exiled, taken out of the city, and our sins were taken away by His sacrifice. On the cross, God displayed both His wrath upon sin and His love for sinful people, and He invites everyone into a relationship with Himself that can only be experienced through faith in the sacrificial work of His Son.

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?

Further Commentary“In biblical theology [expiation] has to do with taking away or removing guilt by means of paying a ransom or offering an atonement…Christ’s expiation of our sin means that He paid the penalty for it and removed it from consideration against us…Propitiation brings in the personal element and stresses that God is no longer angry with us. Expiation is what Christ did on the cross. The result of Christ’s act of expiation is that God is propitiated. It is the difference between the ransom that is paid and the attitude of the One receiving the ransom.” 4

Voices from Church History“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.” 5

–Cyril of Alexandria (circa 375-444)

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2. Jesus is the Lamb who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:30-34). John the Baptist’s primary purpose was to play second fiddle to

the coming Messiah. He openly acknowledged that his own role must diminish while the coming Messiah’s role would only continue to increase (John 3:29-31). He knew his part in God’s story was to prepare others for the arrival of the Messiah and to act as a prophet communicating the word of God to His people.

After John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, he gave further testimony about the uniqueness of this Lamb. First, he indicated that Jesus was more than just a man. Second, he taught that Jesus would baptize people with the Holy Spirit.

30 This is the One I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who has surpassed me, because He existed before me.’ 31 I didn’t know Him, but I came baptizing with water so He might be revealed to Israel.”

32 And John testified, “I watched the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He rested on Him. 33 I didn’t know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The One you see the Spirit descending and resting on—He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God!”

Jesus Is Divine If you are familiar with the birth story of John the Baptist, then you’ll

remember that he was born several months before Jesus. Biologically, he was older than Jesus. At the same time, John knew he was not equal with Jesus, and he claimed Jesus existed before he did! What we have here is one of the earliest and most powerful testimonies to the divinity of Jesus. He existed before He was born, John said.

John based his view of himself and his ministry upon the truth that Jesus was greater. His humility was on display as he acknowledged Jesus as the eternal Son of God. What was true of John should be true of us. When we see ourselves in light of who Jesus is, we should respond with a humble attitude that leads to worship.

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?

When John baptized Jesus, John witnessed the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus like a dove, and he heard the voice of God the Father pronouncing His pleasure with the Son. This event impacted John, and it was the basis of his testimony that Jesus is the “Lamb of God.”

Further Commentary“Jesus explained that baptism was essential to His perfection. Jesus wished to please His Father by obeying the commands of the prophets (John was the greatest of the prophets; 11:9-13) and by identifying with God’s righteous cause among the people. If He had refused to participate in John’s baptism, Jesus would have seemed like a rebel rather than One who came to fulfill all righteousness.” 6

–Charles Quarles, HCSB Study Bible

Further Commentary“Jesus is equipped to baptize others, not merely (as did John the Baptist) in the medium of water, but in the Holy Spirit. This too anticipates the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, which looked forward to the time when God’s people would have the Spirit poured out on them (e.g. Ezek. 36:25-26). That Jesus would baptize his people in the Holy Spirit is therefore simultaneously an attestation of who he is, and an announcement that the promised age is dawning.” 7

–D. A. Carson

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The Holy Spirit’s presence at the baptism of Jesus symbolized His anointing for the work God had sent Him to accomplish. Anointing was a common practice in the Old Testament for items or people whom God had set apart for a sacred task. In anointing Jesus with the Holy Spirit, God was expressing His approval of Jesus to John.

John knew that he was the forerunner of the Messiah, and as one of Jesus’ cousins, he probably knew Jesus growing up. But the Spirit’s descent upon Jesus confirmed that He was the Anointed One of God, the Messiah who had been promised those many years ago in the garden of Eden. The Holy Spirit was God’s sign to John that the One he had been proclaiming had indeed arrived.

Jesus Baptizes with the Holy Spirit For Old Testament believers, the law served as guardrails that revealed

God’s character. But the law could not bring about the change of heart that God required. Likewise, John’s baptism of repentance was unable to change a person’s heart condition. That’s how he knew that Jesus’ work would supersede his own.

Jesus the Messiah was going to fulfill the promise that God had given through the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel. In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God promised a new covenant with His people, one based upon the forgiveness of their sins and His law being written on their hearts. This was an expression of intimacy with Him that could only be possible through the indwelling of His Spirit.

Ezekiel 36:25-28 made this promise even clearer. God spoke through Ezekiel and promised that He would remove dead hearts and replace them with new hearts that were alive, and He would dwell in His people through the Holy Spirit.

When we enter into a relationship with God through Jesus, we receive the promise of God’s Spirit dwelling within us. This is what John meant when he said the Lamb of God would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

In the same way, the Holy Spirit anoints us for the work God has called us to do, and He empowers us to accomplish His mission. The task of taking the gospel to the ends of the earth is daunting and impossible in our own power, but we are not alone in this endeavor. God now dwells in the hearts of His people, and His presence goes with us as we live out His command to make disciples.

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?

Voices from Church History“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.” 8

–Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)

Voices from Church History“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.”

–Charles Wesley (1707-1788), “Spirit of Faith, Come Down”

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3. Jesus is the Lamb who calls people to a life of discipleship (John 1:35-42). 35 Again the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples.

36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 When

Jesus turned and noticed them following Him, He asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are You staying?”

39 “Come and you’ll see,” He replied. So they went and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day. It was about 10 in the morning.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed Him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which means “Anointed One”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, He said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which means “Rock”).

Upon hearing John’s declaration of Jesus as the Messiah, two of John’s disciples began to follow Jesus. When Jesus asked what they were looking for, they identified Him as a rabbi (or respected teacher) and wanted to know where He was staying. He invited them to come and see, and they stayed with Him that day.

Jesus could have turned aside these two men. He could have said that He did not have time for them. But Jesus was inviting them into a relationship with Himself, and as they came near to Jesus, it became obvious that He was the One they had been waiting for.

After only being in the presence of Jesus for one day, Andrew began to live out the mission of the Lamb of God who had been sent into the world. His first response was to seek out his brother, Peter, and to share the good news of the Messiah’s arrival. Peter’s interaction with Jesus would change his life and, eventually, the course of history.

A similar situation takes place in verse 45, when Philip sought out Nathaniel and shared the good news with him. Andrew’s and Philip’s passionate responses of evangelism are powerful examples of what happens when Jesus changes your life.

Disciples of Jesus must be committed to the mission of their Savior and Lord. Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). When we enter into a relationship with God through Jesus, we are committing to become like Jesus. His way of life becomes our way of life. His love becomes our love. His mission becomes our mission.

We do not have the option of choosing an alternative to the missionary mandate of Jesus. He was sent into the world, and now we are sent into the world. There is no biblical category for disciples who exempt themselves from the mission of God in the world.

Further CommentaryMany people think of the gospel as simply being saved from sins and receiving the promise of heaven, as though the gospel had no bearing on our day-to-day lives. However, Jesus calls His people into a daily life of discipleship. A disciple of Jesus is not simply a student, for Jesus is certainly more than a great teacher. Those who follow Jesus are committing themselves to Him by obeying His commands and His way of life. The life of a disciple is most closely identified with the identity of the master. For followers of Jesus, this means identifying with Jesus, who is the Lamb of God.

Further Commentary“Cephas is an Aramaic word meaning ‘rock’ (cf. Matt. 16:16-18). In Bible times, God frequently changed people’s names to indicate their special calling, as was the case with Abram (Abraham) and Jacob (Israel); see Genesis 17:5; 32:28.” 9

–Andreas Köstenberger, ESV Study Bible

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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?

When I was in college, I began to think that my nickname, Joey, sounded too childish. I didn’t care for my middle name, and I thought my first name, Joseph, sounded too old. As I considered my dilemma, I decided that I would go by my first and last initials, JJ. I used a retreat as an opportunity to institute the name change. I wrote this preferred name on my name tag, but I never responded to the new name. When people called me JJ, I kept walking until it dawned on me that they were referring to me. My one opportunity to change my name failed miserably!

The major problem I faced was that my identity for almost twenty years had been Joey Jernigan. Changing my name on a tag did not bring about a change in identity for myself or anyone who knew me. All I did was use the initials of my first and last name (creative, I know!).

When Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter, He was giving Simon a new identity. He was declaring something to be true of Simon that would be a catalyst for the rest of His life.

When we look at the presentation of Simon Peter in the Gospels, the word “rock” doesn’t come to mind. There were flashes of what he would become, such as the moment when he proclaimed Jesus “the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” (Matt. 16:16), or the moment in the garden of Gethsemane when, in an effort to defend Jesus from arrest, he cut off the ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest (John 18:10).

But Peter didn’t always seem like a rock. He denied Jesus three times, and he spent the days following the crucifixion living in fear with the rest of the disciples.

The example of Peter gives hope to us. Think about the identities we carry with us in our lives. Adulterer? Bad parent? Alcoholic? Self-righteous Pharisee? Drug abuser? Tax cheat? Failure? Maybe you don’t view your identity as being as “bad” as these descriptors, but the picture we see of humanity throughout the Bible does not provide any of us with much hope.

The Scriptures identify us as lost, under God’s wrath, rebellious, self-indulgent, and sinful. None of us wants to bear the burden of these identities for the rest of our lives, but apart from Christ, these terms describe who we are—who you are, and who I am.

That’s where the good news of a name change comes into focus. The Lamb who takes away the sin of the world makes it possible for our identities to be changed. We are transformed from lost to found. We go from being under God’s wrath to redeemed by His love. From rebels to friends. From self-indulgent cravings to living for God’s purposes. From sinful beyond hope to hope-filled and forgiven.

Voices from the Church“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.” 10

–Jason Dukes

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For those of us who trust in the Lamb of God to take away our sin, our identity becomes wrapped up in all that Jesus is. Our old self is covered with His blood, and we receive adoption into God’s family. Our own agendas are traded in for the kingdom agenda and missionary mandate of the Lamb of God.

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?

Conclusion One of the most beautiful truths of salvation is that God has done

everything necessary to remove the sin barrier to a relationship with Him. He doesn’t simply hide our sins; when we repent and believe, He forgives our sins and removes our guilt through Jesus. We are made pure, and our broken relationship with God is restored the moment we trust in the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

But God is not content to simply remove sin and its effects from our lives. He sent His Son to break the curse of sin, and He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts. The presence of the Holy Spirit in God’s people empowers us to fulfill the mission of God, thus giving us a purpose beyond our own salvation.

God now sends us, former enemies who have been reconciled to Him as friends, into His broken world as subversive agents of the kingdom. Through the saving power of the gospel and the filling of our hearts with God’s Spirit, we are empowered to join God’s rescue mission—one person at a time.

Voices from the Church“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.” 12

–Henry Blackaby

Prayer of Response“Lord, I want people around me to know that I believe You are the light of the world. I want to love You so much that people can see in my life—even if they never listen to my words—that I believe You are the light of the world. I know that making my witness visible in and of itself, is not enough. I must have courage in the presence of my friends to point to You and say clearly, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God! Behold, the light of the world.’ If I continue to walk silently while others are walking in darkness, it is my own fault, for You, Jesus, are the light of my life—of all life.” 11 –Calvin Miller

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Devotional Material Encourage your group to read the three devotional readings included in the Personal Study Guide.

Study Material - “The Day of Atonement”—Chapter 3 from The Atonement: Its Meaning and Significance by Leon Morris

- “God’s Crucified Lamb”—Chapter 6 from The Passion of Christ and the Purpose of Life by Adrian Rogers

- “The New Creation for Us”—Chapter 22 from According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy

- “Behold, Behold”—Article by Amy Orr-Ewing; find a link to this article at gospelproject.com/additionalresources

- “The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)”—Article by Bob Deffinbaugh; find a link to this article at gospelproject.com/additionalresources

- Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including “Rabbis in the First Century,” can be purchased at www.lifeway.com/biblicalillustrator. Look for Bundles: The Gospel Project.

References1. A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God (Rockville, MD: Serenity, 2009), 79.2. Andreas J. Köstenberger, “John,” in Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, eds. G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2007), 427-28.3. Andreas J. Köstenberger, HCSB Study Bible (Nashville: B&H, 2010), 1804, n. 1:29.4. “Expiation,” from Tabletalk (13 June 1990), Bible.org [online; cited 12 August 2013]. Available from the Internet: bible.org.5. Cyril of Alexandria, “John 2.1,” in A Library of Fathers of the Holy Catholic Church Anterior to the Division of the East and West, trans. members of the English Church (Oxford: John Henry Parker, 1800-1881), 43:131-32, quoted in John 1–10, ed. Joel C. Elowsky, vol. IVa in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 2006), 68.6. Charles Quarles, HCSB Study Bible, 1614-15, n. 3:15.7. D. A. Carson, The Gospel According to John, in The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991), 152.8. Charles H. Spurgeon, “Expitiation,” The Spurgeon Archive [online; cited 7 June 2013]. Available from the Internet: www.spurgeon.org.9. Andreas J. Köstenberger, ESV Study Bible (Wheaton: Crossway, 2008), 2022, n. 1:42.10. Jason Dukes, Live Sent: You Are a Letter (Birmingham: New Hope, 2011), 128.11. Calvin Miller, The Christ of Christmas: Readings for Advent (Nashville: B&H, 2006), December 1.12. Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God Day by Day (Nashville: B&H, 1998), 295.

Behold the Lamb!

Tip of the WeekFind a Class Project

For most of us, projects tend to find us. But if you are looking for the right project for your class, begin with the class members. Ask them to list things they would like to do in your community and to describe the needs they would like to meet. Ask what role they would see themselves playing in meeting those needs. Also scan the community for potential projects. Every community has different needs and opportunities. Here are some places to start: hospitals, local schools, local colleges and universities, public servants, community organizations/events, counseling centers, and support groups.

Sermon Podcasts

Ed Stetzer: “Evangelism—Act Like Andrew”

John Stott: “Jesus Christ—Tried, Tested, and Proven”

Find links to these at gospelproject.com/additionalresources

Additional Resources

WRITERS

The Gospel Project®Adult Leader Guide HCSBVolume 2, Number 3 Spring 2014

Eric GeigerVice President, Church Resources

Ed StetzerGeneral Editor

Trevin WaxManaging Editor

Philip NationDirector, Adult Ministry Publishing

Faith WhatleyDirector, Adult Ministry

Send questions/comments to: Managing Editor, The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0102; or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com.

Printed in the United States of America

The Gospel Project®: Adult Leader Guide HCSB (ISSN 2163-0917; Item 005438061) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2013 LifeWay Christian Resources.

For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes, e-mail subscribe@lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5818, or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, e-mail orderentry@lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5933, or write to the above address.

We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

All Scripture quotations marked (MSG) are taken from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Kendell Easley is a professor of biblical studies at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, and is the director of the Master of Christian Studies and Doctor of Ministry programs for Union’s Stephen Olford Center. He has written ongoing curriculum for more than 20 years. Kendell is married to Nancy, and they have one married young adult son.

Christian George (@PilgrimGeorge) is assistant professor of biblical and theological studies at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is the author of Sex, Sushi, & Salvation, Godology, and Sacred Travels. He earned his PhD from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Joey Jernigan serves as a lead pastor at Lanier Islands Community Church in Buford, Georgia. He also teaches as an assistant professor at Liberty University Online. He is married to Lindsay, and they have three daughters, Ella, Eden, and Emma.

David Nasser is a nationally recognized speaker and author of A Call to Die, Glory Revealed, and Jumping Through Fires. He also serves as a pastor at Christ City Church in Birmingham, Alabama, where he lives with his wife and children.

Halim Suh and his wife, Angela, have three kids and live in Austin, Texas, where he is pastor of teaching and theology at The Austin Stone Community Church. He is the author (with Matt Carter) of two Threads studies: Creation Unraveled and Creation Restored. Halim has a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

About the Writers