Which Old Testament prophecies connect with John 1:36's declaration about Jesus? John 1:36 in Focus “when he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ ” (John 1:36) Genesis 22: The Promised Substitute • God points to a future “lamb” long before the Exodus. • “Abraham answered, ‘God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ ” (Genesis 22:8) • On the very mountain later called Zion, God supplies a ram in Isaac’s place—foreshadowing the perfect Lamb who will die in our place. Exodus 12: The Passover Prototype • Israel’s deliverance hinges on an unblemished lamb. – “Your lamb must be an unblemished male a year old.” (Exodus 12:5) – “The blood on the houses … will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” (12:13) – “Do not break any of its bones.” (12:46; cf. Numbers 9:12, Psalm 34:20; John 19:33-36) • Jesus embodies that pattern: spotless, sacrificed, bones unbroken, His blood delivering from judgment. Exodus 29 & the Daily Lambs • “This is what you are to offer regularly … two lambs that are a year old.” (Exodus 29:38-39) • Morning and evening sacrifices kept Israel in constant remembrance of sin and substitution. • Jesus, the once-for-all Lamb, replaces the endless cycle (Hebrews 9:25-28). Leviticus 16: Atonement Day Foreshadow • Though goats are central to Yom Kippur, a “ram for a burnt offering” (16:3) still speaks of substitution. • The entire ceremony highlights blood applied for cleansing—completed definitively by Christ (Hebrews 9:11-14). Isaiah 53: The Suffering Servant • “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” (Isaiah 53:7) • The Servant bears our griefs, is pierced for our transgressions, and secures our peace (53:4-6). • John the Baptist sees in Jesus the very One Isaiah described. Jeremiah 11:19: The Innocent Lamb Betrayed • “I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter.” • Jeremiah’s experience previews the righteous sufferer ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. Additional Echoes • Psalm 34:20—“He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken.” • Zechariah 12:10—“They will look on Me whom they have pierced.” • Together with the Passover texts, these verses anticipate a pierced yet unbroken Lamb whose death saves. Pulling It Together John’s simple cry, “Look, the Lamb of God,” gathers centuries of prophecy and ritual into one Person. From Moriah’s mount to Egypt’s night of deliverance, from the daily temple offerings to Isaiah’s vivid portrait, Scripture has been pointing to Jesus. He fulfills every shadow, provides the true substitution, and secures eternal redemption—exactly as promised. |
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