Our eyes and our lives are constantly being formed. But John the Baptist reminds us to stop pointing to the chaos and start pointing to Jesus. Behold the Lamb! Remember that your focus and your witness shape not just your life, but the world around you.

++++

Small Group Guide: "Behold the Lamb"

Based on John 1:29-42

Opening Prayer

Begin your time together by asking God to open your hearts and minds to His Word, and to help you honestly examine what shapes your attention and witness.

Ice Breaker

Share a moment from your past that unexpectedly shaped who you are today (like the pastor's Eagles story). What caught your attention in that moment?

Key Scripture

John 1:29 - "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, 'Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.'"

Main Themes

1. Pay Attention to What You Focus On

"Your formation will always follow your attention."

2. Pay Attention to What You Point To

"Just because you use Jesus' name does not mean you are pointing to Jesus."

Discussion Questions

Section 1: What Shapes Us

1. Attention Audit: What do you spend the most time looking at each day (social media, news, entertainment, Scripture, etc.)? How do you think this is shaping you?

2. The pastor mentioned that much of what we consume should come with a "scam likely" label. What are some things you've noticed trying to disciple your eyes and shape your heart that aren't from God?

3. Read 2 Corinthians 5:7. How does "walking by faith, not by sight" apply to what we choose to focus on in our daily lives?

4. Personal Reflection: Complete this sentence: "When I spend too much time focusing on ________, I notice that I become more ________."

Section 2: What We Point To

5. The sermon mentioned that the top reasons people leave religion include "religious hypocrisy" and "religious bigotry." How does this challenge you personally? What does it say about the church's witness?

6. Honest Moment: When have you caught yourself pointing to something other than Jesus while using Jesus' name? (Examples: justifying anger, excluding others, seeking power or control)

7. What does it mean practically to "point to the Lamb" in your:

   • Conversations with family?
   • Social media presence?
   • Workplace interactions?
   • Political discussions?

8. The pastor said, "Taking the Lord's name in vain is attaching God's name to things that don't look like God's heart." What are some examples you've seen of this? How can we avoid doing this ourselves?

Section 3: The Way of the Lamb

9. How is the way of the Lamb (self-giving love, mercy, compassion) different from the way of power and control that the world offers?

10. Challenge Question: "How would things change if we stopped obsessing over power and control and instead outdid one another in showing honor?" What would this look like in your life this week?

11. The cross was supposed to be defeat but became the greatest victory. Where in your life do you need to trust God's "surprise move" instead of trying to dominate or control a situation?

Key Takeaways

✓ We are always being formed - the question is by what or by whom

✓ What we behold, we become - giving attention to Christ shapes us into His likeness

✓ Our lives point somewhere - we must ensure we're pointing to Jesus, not to fear, hatred, or chaos

✓ The Lamb of God is self-giving love - not power, empire, or domination

✓ God's surprise move is the cross - victory through sacrifice, not force

Practical Applications

This Week, Try This:

Daily Practice: Before you scroll, post, or speak, ask yourself:

• "Is this forming me into love or fear?"
• "Am I pointing people to the Lamb or to chaos?"

Weekly Challenges (Choose 1-2):

1. Media Fast: Take a 24-48 hour break from news and social media. Replace that time with Scripture reading, prayer, or worship music. Journal about how you feel before and after.

2. Attention Inventory: Track what you give attention to for three days (screen time, conversations, thoughts). At the end, evaluate: Is this shaping me to look more like Jesus?

3. Point to the Lamb: Intentionally look for one opportunity each day to point someone to Jesus through:

   • Words of encouragement
   • Acts of service
   • Choosing grace over judgment
   • Sharing hope instead of fear

4. Hope Over Hate: Identify one "enemy" or difficult person in your life. Pray for their well-being daily this week. Ask God to show you how to hope for their healing instead of their defeat.

5. Truth Check: Before sharing anything online this week, verify it's true and ask, "Does this point to Jesus or to division?"

Reflection Questions for Personal Journaling

• What is God saying to me through this message?
• What needs to change in what I'm focusing on?
• What am I currently pointing to with my life?
• How can I better behold the Lamb this week?

Closing Exercise

Group Commitment: Have each person share one specific way they will "behold the Lamb" this week and one way they will "point to the Lamb." Write these down and check in with each other throughout the week.

Closing Prayer

Pray together:

• For eyes to see Jesus more clearly
• For courage to point to Him faithfully
• For transformation by the Holy Spirit
• For specific needs shared in your group

Scripture for Further Study

• 2 Corinthians 3:18 - "We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image"
• Philippians 2:1-11 - The way of Christ (self-giving love)
• Romans 12:9-21 - Practical Christian living
• Matthew 5:43-48 - Love your enemies
• Colossians 3:1-17 - Set your minds on things above

Leader Notes

• Create a safe space for honest conversation about what shapes us
• Be prepared to share your own struggles with focus and witness
• Avoid political debates; focus on heart transformation
• Encourage vulnerability without forcing it
• Follow up during the week with group members on their commitments