From the Ram to the Lamb

Transcription

1 From the Ram to the Lamb INTRODUCTION & PART 1 A fi ve-part Lent study for individuals and small groups by Marjorie Austin

2 FROM THE RAM TO THE LAMB by Marjorie Austin Published by Scripture Union, Queensway, Bletchley, MK2 2EB, UK Marjorie Austin 2008 Permission is given for photocopies of this work to be made for the purpose of study in the setting of small church groups. None of the material can be printed or sold or used in other contexts without permission. This material is published in the context of WordLive (wordlive.org), an online Bible engagement programme produced by Scripture Union. The right of Marjorie Austin to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act Unless otherwise attributed, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, (NIV), 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton, a division of Hodder Headline Ltd. Marjorie Austin acknowledges with gratitude the help and encouragement received in writing and revising this course, particularly from Geoffrey and Ros; also John, who trained her. Scripture Union is an international Christian charity working with churches in more than 130 countries providing resources to bring the good news about Jesus Christ to children, young people and families and to encourage them to develop spiritually through the Bible and prayer. As well as coordinating a network of volunteers, staff and associates who run holidays, church-based events and school Christian groups, Scripture Union produces a wide range of publications and supports those who use their resources through training programmes.

3 Introduction From the ram to the lamb will take us on a journey to discover some ways in which Jesus fulfils Old Testament prophecy and the sacrificial system. It is written primarily with small groups in mind. It can also be used by people studying alone but since studying along with others is so much fun, why not consider inviting a friend to join you? If you can t physically meet with someone else, can you have an or Facebook discussion with them as you use the same material? The material can also be used as the basis for a sermon series for a whole church. In Session 1 we will look at the story of Abraham and Isaac and the substitute sacrifice. We will understand more of the promises and mercy of God. In Session 2 we focus on Moses, the Passover Lamb, and the protection afforded by the blood of the lamb. Our studies will give us a glimpse of the glory of God. In Session 3 we take a closer look at the sacrificial system, considering why it was needed and what was achieved. In so doing, we will learn more of the grace and righteousness of God. In Session 4 our subject will be John the Baptist as forerunner of Jesus and the identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God, which will point us to a deeper appreciation of the love of God. In Session 5 we shall turn to the death of the Lamb the permanent solution to the problem of sin and what that reveals of the holiness of God. As we look at Scripture, we should not merely read or listen. Our aim is to experience it. We should expect to: walk in the story or passage we are listening to walk with God s people in the passage walk with God experience God at work apply what we hear to our lives

4 1 The ram Icebreaker Either Divide into pairs and find out something about each other, for example: your home situation your work situation the best thing that s happened to you in the last year why you decided to follow this course Then, take it in turns to introduce each other to the group. Or Think of a time when you felt you had to do something when perhaps you would have preferred not to! How did that situation turn out in the end? The story so far Around 1925 BC, at about the time Stonehenge was being constructed, a man called Abraham was living in Ur with his wife Sarah, his nephew Lot, and his father Terah (Genesis 11:31,32). They all left Ur to travel to Canaan, but when they got as far as Haran, they settled and there Terah died. However, God had plans for Abraham concerning Canaan, so he asked Abraham to leave Haran and his people and go to Canaan (Genesis 12). Abraham and Sarah were quite elderly and had no children (Genesis 12:4;11:30). Read Genesis 12:1 3 Q What three words would you use to describe the promises God makes to Abraham? Q And what was Abraham s part to be in all this? 4

5 The story continues Later, Abraham, Sarah and Lot moved to Egypt to escape a famine in Canaan (Genesis 12:10). At one point, when Abraham feared for his life, he lied to the Pharaoh and was caught out (Genesis 12:11 20). When Abraham and Lot left Egypt, they parted company (Genesis 13). Abraham and Sarah tired of waiting for the family of God s promise in Genesis 12:2,3 and decided to help God out; Abraham had a child by Sarah s servant Hagar; Ishmael was born (Genesis 16:15), but he was not the son of Sarah, so was not the child of the promise. One day, three visitors turned up at Abraham s tent and he was very hospitable to them. They prophesied that Abraham and Sarah would have a son within the year, but Sarah didn t believe them and laughed to herself about it (Genesis 18:1 15). Read Genesis 21:1 3 Abraham and Sarah s son Isaac is born, over 20 years after the first promise from God and within the year which was prophesied by the three visitors. Q What does the arrival of Isaac tell us about God? Read Numbers 23:19 Q Although this verse relates to a different situation, what do we learn about the nature of God from it? And what does it say to you today? Read Genesis 22:1 18 Q How does Abraham respond here to God s instructions? Q Is there anything to make you think that God understands the cost of what he is asking Abraham to do? 5

6 Q Is there any significance to the fact that it was Isaac who carried the wood the means of sacrifice (Genesis 22:6)? See also John 19:17. Q Are there any other similarities you can find between the sacrifice of Isaac and the sacrifice of Jesus? For reflection Note that the text doesn t dwell on how Abraham felt about God s requirement for sacrifice, but on his obedience. It would be impossible for him to see why, when God had promised this son for years and years, he would now ask for him to be sacrificed. Abraham could not have known that God would provide a substitute. His willingness to go on in obedience allowed God s fuller plan to be unfolded. We learn something about God s mercy here: he accepted Abraham s faith and obedience. He not only accepted a substitute sacrifice, he also provided the ram! Read the following verses, noting any key points about obedience, sacrifice and faith. 1 Samuel 15:22 Hosea 6:6 Matthew 9:12,13 Hebrews 11:1 Genesis 15:6 6

7 For reflection God chose Abraham and Sarah, with all their flaws. They lied, laughed at his promises, then tried to make them come true themselves. But God still chose to use them! Through his obedience, Abraham offered God all he was flaws and all and God accepted him, as he was. When we offer ourselves to God, he accepts all we are and is pleased to work with us, to include us in his great plans. Are you ever guilty of hiding behind your flaws, using them as a reason or excuse for not responding to God s call? Read Hebrews 11:17 19 Q For which characteristic is Abraham remembered here? Read Genesis 22:2; 2 Samuel 24:20 25; 2 Chronicles 3:1 Q What do these three verses add to our understanding of sacrifice? Are there any links with the death of Jesus? In closing Open Hebrews 11 in front of you. Imagine the author has put you into this list of heroes of the faith! Is there something you have done in response to God s prompting by faith for which you might be included? If so, praise God. If you can t think of anything, pray that God will increase your faith and your willingness to step out boldly for him. Close by singing together any song known by the group which focuses on the promises and mercy of God. 7