Intro: Introduction: The word “behold” appears frequently in Scripture, yet glossing over its significance is easy. In English, it means to “see” or “observe,” but it’s far more profound in the biblical context. “Behold” is an invitation to stop, focus, and consider deeply what is being presented. It’s not a casual glance but a deliberate act of fixing one’s attention on something extraordinary.
The Greek word for “behold” is ἰδοὺ (idou), an imperative verb. It’s a command that demands immediate attention and contemplation—as if the speaker is saying, “Stop everything and look at this!” The use of ἰδοὺ emphasizes the importance and urgency of what follows, drawing the audience into an encounter with something transformative.

Big Idea: Remember,

Jesus as the

Reveal Answer

of the world, the

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of God, and the

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of mankind brings joy to our lives.

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1. Remember to BEHOLD the Light of the World

• a. “We who walk in darkness deep now see the light of morning.”
  
  1. Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”
  2. John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
  3. Hebrews 1:1-3 “He upholds the universe by the word of His power.”

For life to exist it must

around the sun

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.

• b. Historical Context
  
  1. Isaiah prophesied to a people in exile, surrounded by spiritual and political darkness. This “great light” symbolized the coming of the Messiah, breaking the despair of oppression.
  2. By Jesus’ time, the Jewish people were still longing for this promised light, living under Roman occupation. Jesus’ declaration as the “light of the world” directly fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
  3. The Hebrew verb for “have seen” (רָאוּ) in Isaiah 9:2 is in the perfect tense, signifying a completed action—a certainty in God’s prophetic plan even before its earthly fulfillment.

Jesus is not just the light for

but also the light for us in our

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.

When you face uncertainty or fear, trust

as the

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that

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.

2. Remember to BEHOLD the Lamb of God

• a. “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away our sin.”
  
  1. John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
  2. Exodus 12:5-7: The Passover lamb, “without blemish,” whose blood spared Israel from judgment.
• b. Historical Context
  
  1. In the Exodus, the blood of the Passover lamb symbolized deliverance from death. This sacrificial system pointed to Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God.
  2. John the Baptist’s proclamation identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of centuries of sacrifices, inaugurating a new covenant of grace.
  3. The Greek word for “takes away” (αἴρων) is a present participle, indicating ongoing action. Jesus continually takes away sin through His
     Reveal Answer
     .

By the

of the Lamb, our sins are not just

Reveal Answer

but

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.

• c. The power of The Lamb is a magnificent message for someone who feels trapped by their sin.
• d. Jesus steps forward, pays the full amount, and destroys the debt record. This is what Christ has done with your sin.
  

3. Remember to BEHOLD the Hope of Man

• a. “The hope of man, behold the Lamb.”
  
  1. Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:12-13 A prophecy of the Messiah from the line of Jesse, describing a ruler who will bring peace and hope to NATIONS.
  2. Revelation 21:3-4: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man…He will wipe away every tear.”
• b. Revelation points to the ultimate fulfillment when Christ will reign, erasing all sorrow and death.

One of the joys of Christ’s birth is the

understanding that

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one day to restore all things.

• c. Do I live with eternal hope, even in temporary suffering?
• d. Jesus is not just a distant hope; He is the present and eternal source of our confidence.

As we approach Christmas, let us “behold” Him with hearts full of

,

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, and

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.

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Small Group Questions

1. What did God teach you through this passage and message? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

2. What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?

3. When was the last time you truly stopped to “behold” Christ in your life? What did that moment teach you?

4. Are there sins or guilt you are holding onto that Jesus has already removed? How can you let go of them?

5. Who in your life needs to hear about the hope, light, and sacrifice of Jesus? How can you share that with them this week?