Pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament #114 by Walton Marsh
John 1:29 John 3:14-15
Intro: There is an interesting statement in Isaiah 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." For thousands of years God has been trying to communicate to mankind his ways. Especially his way of SALVATION. However, we have not been listening too well.
It seems that it is more comfortable for us to create our own plans of salvation. To invent religious activity to appease God or to buy our way to heaven. Man always wants to do it himself. We don't want to simply believe that God has already worked it out. We want to make a SUPERNATURAL SALVATION NATURAL. We want to throw out what God has done and replace it with man's inventions.
Today I want to help you see the miraculous and supernatural salvation provided by God through two illustrations written by God's finger in the Old Testament.
Exodus 12:3-following
I. THE PICTURE OF THE SLAIN LAMB.
God is painting a picture in historical events demonstrating his plan of salvation. The Passover was not just a momentous salvation for the Israelites it is also a picture of God's way of salvation for you and me.
A. The reason for the lamb.
1. Sin and rebellion
Pharaoh had been given 9 opportunities to be obedient to the Lord. He had hardened his heart and God was going to Judge the nation of Egypt. But God will spare his people who believe in him. God is holy and just and will punish sin but he has always provided a way of salvation for those who have faith in him. The Passover lamb was the expression of faith for those who believe.
B. The requirements of the Lamb
a) Unblemished
God requires our best not our off casts.
b) male
c) Not goat
The goat represents the unregenerate man. This sacrifice must be a sheep.
d) Slain
Blood must be spilt (Heb 9:22 KJV) And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
e) Blood Applied
It wasn't just the sacrifice of the lamb that brought salvation to the household it was the application of the blood to the door.
C. The result of the Lamb
1. Separation
Because of the applied blood there was a separation made between those of faith and those of rebellion.
2. Salvation
Salvation means that you pass from the sentence of death to the gift of life.
We have looked at the picture of the slain lamb now lets look at the Lamb slain
(John 1:29 KJV) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world..
II. The Picture of the Lamb Of God
A. The reason for the lamb.
1. Sin
Our rebellion and sin is the reason that Jesus Christ came into this world as God's perfect sacrificial lamb.
Each one of us is the reason. (Rom 3:23 KJV) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
2. The requirements of the Lamb
a) Unblemished
Jesus perfectly fulfilled the picture of the lamb. He was perfect in every way, never having sinned, god in the flesh.
b) male
c) Not a goat (not a mere man)
Jesus was God in the flesh. Not just a man but the perfect God man. Full of the Spirit.
d) Slain
(Isa 53:7 KJV) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
e) Blood Applied
Jesus is the Lamb of God who shed his blood for you. However, if he is to make a difference in your life, if you are to be saved you must apply the sacrifice to your life. You must trust him and make him your savior.
This brings us to the next great picture God paints in the Bible with the brush of history.
III. Picture of the Brass Serpent
Numbers 21:7 and following
A. The reason for the brass serpent
1. Sin
2. Rebellion
B. The requirement of the brass serpent
1. Must be of God
This wasn't just any old brass serpent, It was one that was commanded by God. Why, So God could show us what is required for salvation.
2. Lifted up so all can see
This brass serpent wasn't hidden away for only the elite to view, it was place where everyone could see it. Children could see it, Women, Men, Old, Young, everyone could see it. WHY? God gives everyone an opportunity to be saved.
C. The result of the brass serpent
1. Separation
Those who looked on the brass serpent were saved and those who didn't died. There was a separation made between those of faith and those of rebellion.
2. Salvation
Salvation means that you pass from the sentence of death to the gift of life.
IV. John 3:14 KJV) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
A. Jesus is the Lamb of God
Jesus Christ died for your sins but if you are to be saved you must look to him for salvation
B. Look and live
1. How do you look today
(Rom 10:9 KJV) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
