This Chapter is easily one of the most memorable in the Bible. It starts with a private conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. Then we’ll hear about Jesus from John the Baptist. Important verses in this chapter are the well-known John 3:16, which explains the gospel in one verse, and John 3:30, which summarizes discipleship in one verse: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Audio: John03.mp3
Study Notes: John03.pdf
Today we begin the Gospel of John. This Gospel differs somewhat from the first three, as it was written later and used by John to fill in some gaps in the life of Jesus that the others had not included in their stories. While all four Gospels tell of the miracles Christ performed, John spends more time on the teaching or events that took place in conjunction with the miracles. In so doing he fills the miracles with meaning.
Jesus is introduced to us as the Word, who was with God and was God from the beginning – a testimony to the deity of Christ. We’ll also meet John the Baptist, Christ’s relative, who declares Him to be “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Both John the Baptist and Nathanael, an early follower of Jesus, quickly conclude that He is the “Son of God.”
Listen: John01.mp3
Read: John01.pdf
Abraham took his son to Mt. Moriah to offer a sacrifice. He took almost everything they needed.
But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, ‘My father!’
And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’
Then he said, ‘Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’
And Abraham said, ‘My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.’ So the two of them went together.” – Genesis 22:7-8 (NKJV)
Roughly 2000 years later and 2000 years ago, John the Baptist gave the final answer to Isaac’s question.
… John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'” – John 1:29 (NKJV)
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” – Hebrews 10:4 (NKJV)
Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” – Hebrews 9:12 (NKJV)
Back to Mt. Moriah, roughly 2000 years later and 2000 years ago: So where is the lamb? There He is, the Lamb of God. Behold, the Lamb.
Central Reflections 