Trusting God Without Understanding

Jesus Always: The Lamb God Provided

Scripture References

Primary text

• Genesis 22

Other references

• Hebrews 11:19
• John 3:16
• Revelation 5

Overview

Easter celebrates an empty tomb, yet many still wrestle with unanswered prayers. Pastor Craig launched the series “Jesus Always” by showing how Genesis 22 foreshadows the cross: the Father’s love is revealed in both Abraham offering Isaac and God offering His Son. Because the Lamb was provided and now lives, we can trust God even in the silence between promise and fulfillment.

Main Points

1. The tension many feel on Easter

• We believe God can, yet sometimes He hasn’t—relationships still broken, prayers still waiting.
• The disciples felt the same between Friday and Sunday; silence does not equal absence.

2. Jesus has always been

• The series will trace Christ through the Old Testament—He didn’t start in Bethlehem.
• Some appearances are physical (Christophanies); others are previews and foreshadows.

3. Genesis 22 – A father asked to sacrifice his promised son

• God’s command: “Take your son, your only son, whom you love …”
• Abraham rose early with no argument; his faith was rooted in years of intimate friendship with God.
• Hebrews 11:19 records his reasoning: God could raise Isaac from the dead.
• Story: Three-day journey mirrors the future three days Jesus lay in the tomb.
• Isaac strong enough to carry the wood for his own sacrifice—paralleling Jesus carrying the cross.

4. “Where is the lamb?” – the unresolved question

• Isaac noticed the fire and wood but no animal.
• Abraham answered in faith, not understanding: “God Himself will provide the lamb.”
• At the altar God stopped Abraham and supplied a ram, not a lamb—so the question lingered.

“God will provide the lamb.”

5. Calvary – the ultimate answer

• Centuries later, on a nearby hill, the true Son carried wood and was not spared.
• John the Baptist identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
• The Father’s love, not Abraham’s, proved decisive.

6. It’s always been about love

• Law of first mention: the first time “love” appears in Scripture is Genesis 22 (father & son).
• First NT occurrence: the Father at Jesus’ baptism (“My Son, whom I love”).
• First in John’s gospel: John 3:16.
• Pattern: Father-Son love culminating in the cross.

7. The Lamb slain and standing

• Old-covenant lambs covered sin temporarily; Jesus cures it permanently.
• Revelation 5 shows the Lamb who looks slain yet stands at the center of the throne—alive forever.
• Because He rose, we trust Him in every “day one” and “day two” of waiting.

8. Invitation and response

• You don’t have to prove your love to God; He has proven His love for you.
• Salvation call: repent, believe, receive the Spirit who raised Christ.
• Prayer for those carrying burdens to experience the Lamb’s finished work.

Key Truths

• God often appears silent before He appears victorious.
• Abraham’s obedience was built on remembered faithfulness, not blind optimism.
• The unresolved “Where is the lamb?” of Genesis is fully answered at Calvary.
• Love is first defined in Scripture through a father giving a son.
• The risen Lamb guarantees God’s presence and provision in every season.

Response

• Trust God’s character when you cannot trace His plan.
• Remember past faithfulness to fuel present obedience.
• Receive the Lamb’s sacrifice; stop trying to earn what grace has provided.
• Carry present burdens to the risen Christ instead of carrying them alone.
• Share the good news—invite someone to encounter the Lamb who lives.

Closing

Pastor Craig reminded every listener that the Father’s love has always pursued them—from Genesis to Revelation, from the cross to this very moment. The Lamb who was slain now stands, so no silence or waiting can separate us from His care. One lifted hand or whispered prayer is enough for God to roll the stone away in our hearts.

Prayer

Summarized: Pastor Craig thanked God for the finished work of Jesus, asked the Spirit to heal hurting hearts, build faith where answers delay, and drew people into saving surrender. He led new believers to confess sin, receive forgiveness, and follow Christ with their whole lives.