January 18, 2026
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TEXT: John 1:29-42
TOPIC: Jesus is the Lamb of God
SERMON SUMMARY:
Behold the Lamb of God: A Fresh Look at a Familiar Title
Today I want us to step back from our comfortable Christian familiarity with Jesus as "the Lamb of God" and hear this title the way the first disciples would have heard it—with shock.
When John the Baptist declared Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Jews listening would have immediately thought of two powerful images: the Passover lamb that saved them from judgment in Egypt, and the sacrificial lambs offered in the temple for the forgiveness of sins. Both were animals sacrificed for the people, never images they'd associate with a person. For them, John's declaration would have been scandalous, even blasphemous.
We also have Isaiah's suffering servant to consider—the one led like a lamb to slaughter, whose death would obtain forgiveness for others' sins. All three images should inform our understanding: the shocking truth that God's own Son was given as a sacrifice for our deliverance, redemption, and salvation.
I noticed a beautiful pattern in today's Gospel reading. Three times we see a "formula of revelation"—one person sees another and reveals their role in God's plan. John sees Jesus and declares Him the Lamb of God. Later, Andrew finds Simon and announces they've found the Messiah. Then Jesus sees Simon and gives him a new name: Cephas (rock), revealing his future role in building the church.
But there's a question for each of us in this passage. When those two disciples approached Jesus, He asked them, "What are you looking for?" That question confronts us today. Are we seeking what God tells us will truly satisfy—Jesus and His perfect will for our lives? Or are we chasing what the world promises but can never fulfill?
Like those first disciples who simply wanted to be with Jesus, may we respond with that same desire. And having encountered Him, may we witness to others what we've seen and heard.
Discussion Questions
How does understanding the Jewish context of "Lamb of God" change or deepen your appreciation of this title for Jesus? What emotions might you have felt hearing John's declaration for the first time?
When Jesus asks you personally, "What are you looking for?" what is your honest answer? Are there areas of your life where you're seeking fulfillment in worldly things rather than in Christ?
The sermon emphasizes that we're all called to "see and say"—to witness to Christ when we encounter Him. What holds you back from sharing what God has revealed to you? How might you pray for opportunities to witness this week?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me see You afresh as the Lamb of God—not as a comfortable, domesticated image, but as the shocking, sacrificial gift of God's love. When You ask me, "What are you looking for?" give me the courage to answer honestly and the wisdom to seek You above all else. Show me how You want me to bear witness to You as I go about my day. I thank You that You will show me. In Your holy name, Amen.
Ordained in the Anglican Church more than 20 years ago, The Very Reverend Rob Holman has led congregations in New York and Los Angeles with sound biblical preaching, prayerful discernment, and trained organizational management skills. Besides his role as Rector of St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Montrose, CA, Fr. Rob is also Dean of the Greater Los Angeles Deanery in the ACNA’s Diocese of Western Anglicans. During his tenure in Los Angeles, he has run Kingdom Conferences for the Diocese and been a speaker at the Deanery’s annual Next Steps in Mission training day. Fr. Rob received his Master of Divinity at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA and is a graduate of the University of Virginia (BS Engineering '87 and MBA '91).
For over a century, the congregation of St. Luke’s has followed Jesus Christ through ancient forms of worship and spiritual growth presented in a contemporary style. St. Luke’s celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024. The original building, made of stones from the local mountains, still stands on Foothill Blvd in La Crescenta—though the Anglican congregation has moved to a new building just a few blocks away near downtown Montrose. Retaining its biblically faithful foundation and liturgically rich worship service through the move, this long-standing Los Angeles church also carries on a tradition of warm welcome for newcomers. St. Luke’s is part of the Diocese of Western Anglicans, Anglican Church in North America, and the Global Anglican Communion. We invite you to join us online or in person this Sunday!
