Jesus as Lamb - Week 1

I want to invite you to open your bibles with me, to John chapter 15. Rememberer church, this is such a promising and privilege thing we get to do together. For me, its like the first church, as they would gather together in joy and anticipation to hear someone read the letters that the apostles would send… and here we are, 2000 years later, able to gather together, around the same word, leaning in and listening with anticipating hearts the word of God. Such a blessing, such a privilege we have.. And lets be honest, sometimes the only time we open the Bible all week is at this moment. So, lets make this moment special. I want us together, to look at verse 13 in chapter 15, but let's start reading in verse 9 to get the full context of what Jesus is saying here. John 15:9-13 says, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.”

Last week we wrapped up our series on "Defining the Relationship," and we talked about this universal human experience of loneliness—that feeling of separation that somehow finds its way to each of us. And If you remember, pretty much every hand in this room went up when I asked who's experienced loneliness at some point in their life. Every single hand. And we discovered together that when we feel separated from God and from others, what we're really dealing with is a heart issue. But here's what I'm learning, and what I want us to explore together as we begin this new series on "Sacrifice": those painful feelings of separation, that broken heart that sings the wrong song—it's all pointing to something deeper. It's pointing to a sin problem that's been with humanity since the garden. Look at Genesis 3:8: "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” Did you recognize what happened there? Sin entered their lives, and immediately, what was their response? They hid. They separated themselves from God. It's a pattern as old as humanity itself: Choice leads to sin. Sin leads to shame. Shame leads to hiding. And if we're honest with ourselves, we still do this today, don't we? We rebel against God in a million different ways. Some of us through self-indulgence. We just live however we want, according to our own rules. We delight in doing whatever feels good in the moment. This is the irreligious path. Or in other words, the unbelieving path. This phrase is what keeps me up at night sometimes… have you ever thought about your life before Christ? Like, how selfish I lived with an unbelieving heart. My life has never been the same since Christ, opened my eyes to his love. And then, there's another way—and this is equally sinful, maybe even more dangerous—we rebel through self-righteousness. These are the religious people. These are the people I struggled caring for as a young unbeliever. These are the people that try to do whatever God wants, but all for the wrong reasons. They strive to be good by keeping all the rules. Many people fall into this category, living their entire lives assuming that if they just live morally enough, then God will bless them and save them. For decades we've misunderstood holiness. We've reduced it to external conformity rather than internal affection. True holiness isn't about what we avoid but Who we adore. It's not a matter of staying away from certain behaviors but being so captivated by the glory of God that sin loses its appeal. The problem with rule-based holiness is not that it asks too much of us, but that it asks far too little. It offers us the pale satisfaction of moral superiority instead of the infinite delight of knowing God.

And hear me out on this… I want us to be authentic. I truly do… but real authenticity doesn't wear masks that hide our true nature and issues. True authenticity starts with being honest about our brokenness before God. True authenticity isn't just saying whatever you feel or doing whatever you want. It's having the courage to come before God with your whole heart - the good, the bad, the ugly - and saying, "Lord, I need You to change me from the inside out.” There's a generation rising up that's done with religious games. They've grown up in a world where everything is filtered, edited, and carefully curated - and they can smell inauthenticity from a mile away. When they look at our churches, they're asking the real question: 'Has Jesus actually changed who these people are? Or is this just their Sunday mask?' They don't care about our light shows or our cool buildings. They want to see people whose lives have been wrecked by an encounter with the living God. And honestly? They're right! They're just echoing what God has been saying since the beginning: 'Give me your heart, not just your behavior.' The world doesn't need more religious people - it needs people who've been with the Lamb. And you know what? I think they're right to want that…….. I think they're echoing what God has been saying all along - that He's after our hearts, not just our behavior.

What does that look like in real life? It's a fair question, isn’t it? Because it's one thing to talk about heart transformation in church on Sunday, but what does it actually look like on Monday morning? What does it look like in your home, in your workplace, in your relationships? I think it looks like humility. It's being quick to say "I'm sorry" and "I was wrong" - not because you're weak, but because you're secure enough in God's love to admit when you mess up. It looks like authenticity in your struggles. Not parading your sin, but also not pretending you have it all together. It's being able to say to a trusted friend, "I'm really battling with this right now, and I need prayer.”\I see this happening in our home churches… I'm so proud of these leaders and people, struggling together, praying together, yearning together… It looks like compassion that reaches beyond your comfort zone. Seeing people the way Jesus sees them - not as projects or problems, but as precious souls worth sacrificing for. This kind of heart transformation doesn't happen overnight. It's not a microwave process; it's more like a slow cooker. Day by day, moment by moment, as we stay connected to Jesus - the Lamb who gave everything for us - His life begins to flow through us, and we find ourselves singing a new song.

Let's go back to the beginning to understand this better. Remember Adam and Eve in the garden? After they sinned, what was their first instinct? Genesis 3:7 tells us, "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves." They tried to fix their own problem. They tried to hide their shame with their own solution. Listen church, Fig leaves can never cover what the blood can cleanse. But God knew better. They wouldn't truly cover the deep problem of sin. So what did God do? Genesis 3:21 says, "The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” This was the first sacrifice mentioned in the Bible, and because of sin, something had to die, gave its blood to provide atonement. They hid, in shame, and tried to fix the problem before God showed up. The first sacrifice. The first picture of what it would take to deal with our sin, didn’t happen until God showed up. Have you ever thought about that? That right from the very beginning, God was showing us that our self-made solutions wouldn't work? That our attempts to cover our own sin and shame would always fall short? That something innocent would have to die in our place? And notice who did the sacrificing - "The LORD God" made the garments. God Himself provided the sacrifice. Adam and Eve didn't think of it. They didn't go hunting. They didn't create the solution. God did. From the very start, salvation has always been God's initiative, not our own. And This pattern continues throughout Scripture. When Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac, who provided the ram caught in the thicket? God did. When the Israelites needed protection from death in Egypt, who designed the Passover system? God did. And when humanity needed permanent redemption from sin, who sent His only Son? God did. The story has always been about God's provision, not our performance. About His sacrifice, not our self-effort. But over time, what happened? These sacrifices became routine. Religious routine. Just going through the motions. In Isaiah 1:11, God says, "The multitude of your sacrifices—what are they to me? I have had enough of burnt offerings... I do not delight in the blood of bulls and lambs." In Amos 5:23, He says, "Away with the noise of your songs!” Can you imagine how heartbreaking this must have been for God? To see the very system He put in place to draw people to Him become a barrier instead? To watch as people focused on the ritual rather than the relationship? It's like a husband who buys flowers for his wife every Friday. At first, it's a beautiful expression of love. But over time, it becomes routine. He picks them up at the grocery store without thinking, tosses them on the counter when he gets home, and checks "flowers" off his mental list. The gesture remains, but the heart behind it has gone. That's what happened with Israel's sacrificial system. The outward actions continued, but the hearts grew distant. The songs were sung, but they became noise to God because they weren't coming from hearts that truly loved Him. I wonder how often we fall into the same pattern. Going to church. Reading our Bibles. Praying before meals. All good things! But if they become just religious boxes to check, we're missing the whole point. We're offering God our fig leaves instead of accepting His sacrifice. This is why Jesus had to come. This is why God sent His Son. Because despite all the sacrifices, all the religious rituals, all the attempts to bridge the gap between humanity and God - we were still separated. Still lost. Still singing the wrong song within our hearts. John 1:29 tells us that when John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, he declared, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" Not just another sacrifice in an endless system. Not just a temporary covering. But the One who would take away sin once and for all. And You see, every other lamb had a flaw. Every other sacrifice was incomplete. But Jesus was perfect. Hebrews 4:15 tells is that He was "tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin." The spotless Lamb. The perfect sacrifice. Who knew no sin, and understood our struggles. No other lamb in this world could do that… And unlike all those animals who had no choice in being sacrificed, Jesus willingly laid down His life. John 10:18, Jesus says, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord." Think back to our original Scripture on sacrifice, Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.”

Like, how powerful that is! "Don't miss how radical this is! The Lamb - Jesus - wasn't forced into being our sacrifice. He CHOSE it. He looked at you - yes, YOU - and said, 'I'm going to die for this person.' Sometimes I just have to stop and let that sink in. The God who could speak galaxies into existence decided you were worth dying for. Not because you're so amazing or because you've earned it, but because His love for you is that fierce. And that kind of sacrificial love doesn't just forgive you - it transforms you from the inside out. It's not just a historical event - it's the living Spirit of God taking up residence in your life!" This isn't some distant historical event. This is personal. This is the creator of the universe saying your name, knowing your struggles, seeing your shame, and still choosing to step into your place. And the miracle doesn't end at the cross. It doesn't even end at the empty tomb. The miracle continues every day as Christ lives in us through His Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you! That's why we can sing a new song. That's why our lives can reflect a different melody than the world around us. That's why, even in our darkest moments, there's a hope that doesn't make sense to those who don't know Him. The Lamb has come. The sacrifice has been made. And now, His life in us changes everything. The old song of shame and religious performance is replaced by a new song of freedom and joy - a song that will continue into eternity. How do I know… well, Look with me to the Revelation 5. This is where we get a glimpse into heaven, into eternity, and we see what worship looks like when we're finally face to face with the Lamb. Revelation 5:9-10 says, "And they sang a new song, saying: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.’” Like, right now, there are people from everywhere... worshipping the lamb. They are singing, and adoring, and burning with affection... no more tears, no more worries, no more wondering, no more faith.... Because For them... their faith is now complete in the one who its worthy. … Can you picture that scene with me for a moment? Just imagine it. People from every background, every language, every culture - all gathered around the throne. No more divisions. No more barriers. Just pure worship flowing from hearts that have been completely transformed, and belting out with full throated confidence, you … are worthy… the lamb. That was slain.. you are worthy… And what are they focused on? Not themselves. Not their accomplishments. Not their religious performance. Not whats going on tomorrow…. They’re focused entirely on the Lamb who was slain. Their hearts are overflowing with gratitude and love because they can see clearly now what Jesus did for them. And here's what I find so beautiful - that same song is available to us right now. It is… its being offered right now… the only issue, perhaps… does your heart may recognize it. Its true.. in your pain.. In your struggles. In your self doubt.. in your hardships and breakups and mental anguish… the song is still available here to us…… I can show you this truth…I really can… all throughout the Bible it tells us, in our salvation, in our iniquity…. God gives us a new song in our salvation. Remember last week, in Psalm 40.. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry, He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand” We talked about meeting God in the solitude and waiting for him… remember. God is there in the midst of your pain and struggle…But what happened to David when God met him in the pit? He rescued him… right… he set his feet on solid ground… on a foundation that can not be moved… and gave him a place to stand… But watch what happens in verse 3… “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” This is no small thing! This new song isn't just different lyrics to the same old melody of the world. It's an entirely new composition, written by God Himself and placed within us. This song doesn't merely change what we sing; it changes what we love. It reorients the deepest affections of our heart. And the greatest beauty of this song is its Object - not self, not sin, not even our salvation primarily, but God Himself in all His infinite worth and beauty. And notice the effect this song had - "Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him." When God gives us a new song, it's not just for us. It's for others to hear. It's a testimony. It's evidence that God is still in the business of rescue and redemption. This new song isn't just personal—it's contagious." When people look at your life and mine, do they see something different? Do they hear a different song playing than what the world offers? When we've truly encountered the Lamb - when we've received His sacrifice for us, when we've surrendered to Him and he lives in us - our lives should sing a melody that makes others curious. Not because we're perfect. Not because we have it all figured out. But because even in our struggles, even in our questions, we have a hope and a joy that doesn't make sense without God. David looked forward to God's salvation, while we look back to it in the Lamb who was slain, and we both look up to the throne where the lamb sits, who's worthy to be praised. That my friends... is the song that echoes through eternity. That's the melody that transcends our circumstances. That's the chorus that unites believers across all time. When the Lamb becomes our sacrifice, His song becomes our story. Our lives begin to sing a tune of grace instead of guilt, of freedom instead of fear, of purpose instead of performance.

As Peter comes up….

I want to tell you a dream and desire God has placed in my heart for this church… I dream that we would become a community of people singing together, and to one another, and to others, the Lamb is worthy… "It's possible... I truly believe it's possible! And you want to know what it looks like when it happens? Look at Ephesians 5:15. And see what Paul says about a community that is transformed by the Spirit." 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, Here it is.. what does it mean that a church is Spirit filled? 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. You see what Paul is saying here? When the Spirit fills a community, they start singing to each other! Not just to God, though that's essential, but to one another. They encourage each other with songs from the Spirit. This new song.. bursts from the hearts of the people, and "Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” Because of it… This isn't just about what happens on Sunday morning when we gather. This is about what happens on Tuesday afternoon when you're struggling. And Wednesday nights when we gather for house church. It's about what happens on Thursday evening when your neighbor needs hope. An d Friday nights when we set up the church… It's about a community coming together which reminds each other through their words, their actions, their very lives - and the new song on their heart… that the Lamb is worthy.

So what does this mean for you today? What choice is before you? I believe God is asking each of us a simple question: "What song are you singing?” Are you still singing the old song of self-effort? Still trying to clean yourself up? Still hiding behind fig leaves of religious performance? Or are you singing the old song of the world? The "you do you" anthem that sounds good but leads to emptiness? So I plead with you today - don't settle for the shallow melodies this world offers. Don't be content with the self-centered tunes of religious performance. There is a song of infinite beauty and eternal joy available to you right now. A song that will satisfy your soul like nothing else can. A song that makes much of Christ and little of self. A song that will endure when all other music has faded into silence. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! "This isn't about singing prettier songs on Sunday. This is about surrendering everything to the One who gave everything for you. It's about saying, 'Jesus, I'm done trying to be my own savior. I'm done with religious games. Take my heart. Change my song.' Maybe you've never truly encountered the Lamb. Maybe you've known Him but slipped back into going through motions. Listen - wherever you are today, the invitation stands: Look to the Lamb. Receive His sacrifice. Let Him write a new song through your life that will echo into eternity." And remember, "When the Lamb becomes our sacrifice, His song becomes our story.” *