God's Lamb Series

Chico Alliance Church

“God’s Lamb”

I. Initial presentation of the Word and His witness 1:1-34

A. Introduction of the Eternal Word, Jesus 1:1-5

B. Introduction of the witness - John the Baptist 1:6-8

C. Relationship of the Word to men 1:9-18

1. He enlightens men as the true light 9

2. He entered the world he created 10a

3. He was not recognized or received by everyone 10b-11

4. He is the only object of trust for new birth and sonship 12-13

5. He took on frail humanity in order to live among men 14a

Emmanuel -- “God WITH us” who would become God IN us.

Just as Jesus enjoyed being WITH the Father He came to earth to be WITH us. The eternal word inserted Himself not only in the confines of a human frame but also into the framework of time and space. Even though Jesus enjoyed a glorious existence with the full exercise of his divinity, Jesus did not consider his glorious position and existence as something to be clutched at all costs but rather willingly “emptied Himself” by taking on frail humanity. Jesus, at a point in time, actively and willingly “emptied” Himself. The world literally means “to make empty”. The context is Jesus’ environment and position not his person. He does not become less than what he was before but gives up his former privileges, glory and independence and position as the 2nd person of the Trinity.

Why?

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Cor. 8:9

Even though Jesus took on flesh, it still did not hide the glory of who he was on the inside.

If fact, they were witness to the magnificence of his glory on the mount of transfiguration.

6. His divine glory was recognized by His disciples 1:14b

7. He existed before all men 15

8. He intensely impacted those around Him 16

John further describes the impact of Jesus on them personally. John reminds us that they did not just observe or witness his glory, they all personally experienced the impact of his life. The glory and magnitude of His divine character poured out on them. John describes that benefit in the phrase “grace (favor) against grace (favor).” Grace is a towering term in Scripture. It attempts to describe an attribute of God that is too immense for any one definition. The basic idea is favor or blessing granted to someone apart from personal merit. i.e. “serpent for a fish”

John powerfully proclaims the impact of Jesus on him and the other disciples. Christ continually exchanged grace for grace. He demonstrated one act of grace replacing another; over and over again. Just as new manna appeared every morning to the people of Israel His mercies, His demonstrations of grace were new every morning. The disciples continually enjoyed experience after experience of Christ’s grace.

This experience was not intended only for the disciples but all who desire to follow Christ.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us. Ephes. 1:7-8

and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. Ephes. 2:6-9

9. Grace and truth were realized through Him 17

For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. John 1:17

10. He came to explain the Father to men 18

No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. John 1:18

How did Jesus explain the Father? Jesus not only spoke the words but demonstrated the character and glory of the Eternal Father. Jesus came that we might see God’s compassion, his passion for relationship, His power, his grace, his faithfulness, his mercy, his forgiveness, his touch.

Every gospel story demonstrated the very essence of God.

• Gently relating to the little children.

• Granting forgiveness to a frightened adulterous woman presented to a mob of men for judgment.

• Feeding the hungry.

• Healing those crippled with life-long disabilities.

• Speaking words of hope.

• Offering genuine life to those in despair.

Like a continual melodic theme, this close identification of Jesus with the Father resounds through the book.

John begins his symphony with majestic themes concerning the Deity of Christ.