Covered - Part 4 [Notes] Copy

Beginning in the Garden of Eden, where God took the life of an animal to cover Adam and Eve, we see the first temporary covering that points to the final and complete covering found in Christ’s shed blood on the cross. Along the way, we’ll trace this theme through the first Passover in Exodus, the sacrificial system in Leviticus, and the arrival of Jesus as the Lamb of God in the Gospel of John. 
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’
— John 1:29 (CSB)
Week 4: Like John, we have the honor and responsibility to point people to Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Week 1: God provided a covering for sin in the garden and forgiveness of sin at the cross.
Week 2: Through the blood on the door Israel was spared; through Christ’s blood on the cross we can be saved.
Week 3: Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  This is the one I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’  I didn’t know him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”  And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he rested on him.  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.’  I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” 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!”
— John 1:29-36 (CSB)
Who was John the Baptist?
He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.  And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.
— Luke 1:16-17 (CSB)
John’s role was to be almost identical to that of an Old Testament prophet: to encourage people to turn away from sin and back to God. Gabriel compared John to the great prophet Elijah, who was known for standing up to evil rulers and corrupt religious leaders (Malachi 4:5). Jesus later affirmed what Gabriel said (Matthew 11:14, 17:10-13).  
– Life Application Study Bible, note on Luke 1:17
In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah  where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby (John) leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
— Luke 1:39-41 (CSB)
The child grew up and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
— Luke 1:80 (CSB)
“It has been popular among some scholars to claim that John the Baptist was an Essene. There are some similarities between John and the Essenes: 1. John was in the desert (Luke 1:80). The Essenes were in the desert. 2. Both John and the Essenes used Isaiah 40:3 to describe themselves as the voice in the wilderness. 3. The baptism (or washing) practiced by John and the Essenes required a change of heart.”
– GotQuestions.org
Now John had a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
— Matthew 3:4 (CSB)
Who was John the Baptist?
Why did John baptize Jesus?
And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he rested on him.  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.’  I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
— John 1:32-34 (CSB)
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.”
— Mark 1:9-11 (CSB)
Jesus’ baptism did not change His divine status. He did not become the Son of God at His baptism. Rather, His baptism showed the far-reaching significance of His acceptance of His messianic vocation as the suffering Servant of the Lord as well as the Davidic Messiah. Because He is the Son of God, the One approved by the Father and empowered by the Spirit, He is the Messiah.”
– The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Who was John the Baptist?
Why did John baptize Jesus?
Why was Jesus called the “Lamb of God”?
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! …  When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
— John 1:29, 36 (CSB) 
We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not open his mouth.
— Isaiah 53:6-7 (CSB)
 Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
— John 1:29b (CSB)
Like John, we have the honor and responsibility to point people to Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
— 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (CSB)

Discussion Questions // 

  1. The sermon compared John the Baptist to a “sign spinner” whose job is to point people to something greater. In your everyday life, what are you currently “pointing people to” (intentionally or unintentionally)?
  2. John boldly declared, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
    What gave John such confidence in identifying Jesus, and how can we grow in that same kind of confidence today?
  3. The message highlighted that many Christians are not actively pointing others to Jesus.
    What are some common reasons or obstacles that keep believers from sharing their faith?
  4. John’s role was unique, but the sermon emphasized that we share in the responsibility to point others to Jesus. What are some practical ways you can point people to Jesus in your current relationships or routines?
  5. The takeaway says it is both an honor and a responsibility to point people to Jesus. Which of those two—honor or responsibility—stands out to you more right now, and why?

Catch Up // 

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Worship Setlist //

Let The People Sing // O What A Miracle // Names // Behold The Lamb

Give // 

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