The Blood of the Lamb

"The Blood of the Lamb"

God’s Covenant with Abraham
God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis set the foundation for the story of redemption. Abraham was promised a seed, a land, and that through his seed all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12, 15, 17, 22). These promises were confirmed to Isaac and to Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. From Jacob came twelve sons, and among them was Joseph, whom God providentially used to preserve life through famine in Egypt. Because of Joseph’s faith and integrity, his family was brought into Egypt and treated well — at first.

Bondage in Egypt and the Cry for Deliverance
Exodus 1 tells us that a new Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph. Feeling threatened by Israel’s growing numbers, he enslaved the people. The children of Israel groaned under the weight of oppression and cried out. God heard their cries and remembered His covenant (Exodus 2:23–25). As promised to Abraham, Israel had become afflicted strangers in a foreign land for about 400 years — but God would not forget them.

The Deliverer and the Blood of the Lamb
God called Moses to be the deliverer. After Pharaoh hardened his heart through plague after plague, the Lord promised one final plague: the death of the firstborn (Exodus 11). But God made provision for Israel through the blood of a spotless lamb (Exodus 12:5–7). That night, the Lord said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13). The blood was the distinguishing mark — it brought protection, deliverance, and became a lasting memorial for generations.

The Fulfillment in Jesus Christ
This Passover lamb foreshadowed the true Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. In Matthew 1:1, Jesus is introduced as the Son of Abraham — the one through whom all nations would be blessed. In John 1:29, John the Baptist declares, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Just as the lamb’s blood spared the Israelites, so Jesus’ blood saves us from sin and spiritual death.

The Obedient and Sinless Savior
Jesus submitted to baptism to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15), was approved by the Father (Matthew 3:17), and overcame temptation (Matthew 4). His ministry proclaimed, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). He taught, healed, served, and lived without sin — the perfect Lamb.

The Night of Suffering and the Cross
At the Passover meal, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (John 13). He prayed in Gethsemane, was betrayed, arrested, and subjected to a mock trial. Though innocent, He was scourged, mocked, and crucified. Yet through it all, He remained obedient (Philippians 2:8). As He died, He cried out, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34), and His side was pierced — “and forthwith came there out blood and water” (John 19:34).

Redemption Through His Blood
Scripture tells us we are redeemed by His blood (Ephesians 1:7), not by corruptible things but “with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19). But only those who obey the truth are purified (1 Peter 1:22–23). The same principle seen in Exodus still applies: the blood must be applied — not to a doorpost now, but to our souls through obedient faith.

What Must We Do?
Jesus Himself gave the plan:

• Believe in Him (John 3:16)

• Confess Him (Matthew 10:32)

• Repent (Luke 13:3)

• Be baptized (Mark 16:16)
  In baptism, we are buried with Him (Romans 6:3–4), and we rise to walk in newness of life — cleansed by the blood of the Lamb.

Conclusion
When the day of judgment comes, God will look — not at our fame, fortune, or worldly success — but for the blood. “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” What will He see when He looks at you?

Exhaustive Sermon Outline:

• I. God’s Promise to Abraham

  • Genesis 12, 15, 17, 22: Promises of seed, land, and blessing.

  • Repeated to Isaac and Jacob.

• II. Israel’s Oppression and Cry for Help

  • Exodus 1: New Pharaoh enslaves the Israelites.

  • Exodus 2: God hears and remembers His covenant.

• III. The Deliverer and the Passover Lamb

  • Moses called to lead the people (Exodus 3–4).

  • Final plague announced (Exodus 11).

  • Instructions for the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:5–7).

  • God’s promise: “When I see the blood...” (Exodus 12:13).

• IV. The Lamb of God

  • Jesus is the promised seed (Matthew 1).

  • John calls Him the Lamb of God (John 1:29).

  • Jesus’ sinless life and righteous example (Matthew 3–4).

• V. The Suffering and Death of Jesus

  • Betrayal, trial, and abuse (John 18, Matthew 26–27).

  • Crucifixion and mocking (John 19, Luke 23).

  • Blood and water flowed from His side (John 19:34).

• VI. Redemption Through His Blood

  • Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:18–19 — blood redeems and forgives.

  • 1 Peter 1:22–23 — obedience purifies.

• VII. The Gospel Plan of Salvation

  • Believe (John 3:16)

  • Confess (Matthew 10:32)

  • Repent (Luke 13:3)

  • Be baptized (Mark 16:16, Romans 6)

• VIII. Final Warning and Encouragement

  • Judgment will be based on Christ’s words (John 12:48).

  • Only those covered by the blood will be spared.

Call to Action:
Have you applied the blood of the Lamb to your soul? If not, don’t delay. Come in obedient faith. Be baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins. Rise to walk in newness of life. The Lord is still saying, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Will He see the blood when He sees you?

Scripture Reference List:

• Genesis 12:1–3 – God’s promise to Abraham.

• Exodus 2:23–25 – God hears Israel’s cry.

• Exodus 12:13 – “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”

• John 1:29 – “Behold the Lamb of God.”

• Matthew 3:15–17 – Jesus’ baptism.

• John 14:6 – Jesus is the way, truth, and life.

• John 19:34 – Blood and water from Jesus’ side.

• Ephesians 1:7 – Redemption through His blood.

• 1 Peter 1:19 – Redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.

• Mark 16:16 – Belief and baptism for salvation.

• Romans 6:3–4 – Baptism into Christ’s death.

• John 12:48 – We will be judged by Jesus’ words.

Prepared by Richard Chambers of the church of Christ at Granby, MO