"The Lamb of God"

“And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, 'Who are you?’  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” (John 1:19-20 ESV)

In the first century during Jesus' ministry, the priests and scribes continually asked Jesus who He was and by what authority He did the miracles He did. In the Gospel of John 1:19, John recounts the confrontation between John the Baptist and the Pharisees and Sadducees, in which John the  Baptist plainly states that he is not the Christ. What is essential is that, in John’s Gospel, the very next day, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”

The apostle John wrote, “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,' Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'” This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’” (John 1:29-30)

Jesus is the Lamb of God, a title that carries profound significance.  He takes away the sins of the world.  Before the incarnation of Christ, the Jews had the sacrificial system, a system of blood sacrifices to God in which they could have their sins atoned. Jesus replaced that system. He is perfect, sinless, and in the flesh, lived a life we were supposed to live. He was unblemished, and if one reads the description of the Passover sacrificial lamb in the Bible, one will see a reflection of Jesus.

The sacrificial system, which was the cornerstone of the Jewish faith, was brought to an end with the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ. His sacrifice was the ultimate and final one that the Father accepted. For us, as Christians, no other sacrifice is necessary.  Jesus, the sinless sacrifice, paid for all sins for all times: past, present, and future. This should reassure us and strengthen our faith in the completeness of Jesus's sacrifice.

In Revelation 5:9-10, John wrote, “And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” John tells us that Jesus was slain and has redeemed us to the Father by His own blood. Also, in Chapter 5, John wrote, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing!” 

What is amazing is that all of this was decided within the Trinity before the foundation of the world. Willingly, Jesus was ready to come and die for all sinners. God gave His people to Jesus, and out of love for the Father, Jesus sacrificed Himself so that we may be reunited with God in a personal relationship with Him, receiving salvation and everlasting life, all for the purpose of glorifying God. All we need do is receive Christ as our Savior and repent our sins. It is through God’s grace, His unmerited favor, and His mercy, His compassionate forgiveness, that all this was made possible.  

Receive the Lamb of God today. Let God’s grace help you find faith in Christ as your Savior and turn from your sin, finding everlasting peace in Heaven. 

Choose life, get saved!