He is “The Lamb of God”

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”.  John 1:29 niv

When we hear this title given to Jesus it brings to our hearts and minds everything that the Lamb represents in scripture.  As a sacrifice for sin the lamb needed to be spotless or without blemish and was carefully washed and inspected by the priests.  There is a beautiful picture at Jesus baptism where John the Baptist, who was from the tribe of Levi symbolically washes the pascal lamb. We know that although many tried including the High Priest, they were unable to find an accusation against him, for he was without sin.  We know that Jesus willingly offered himself as a sacrifice for our sin, so when we hear this title,  our hearts well up with gratitude and wonder.

Interesting Facts:   Lambs are gentle by nature and therefore one of the first animals to be domesticated. They are social and remarkably intelligent with the ability to recognise faces and form strong relational bonds.  They communicate and mothers are able to hear their own lambs bleating above the flock.  They have excellent memories and know the sheep in their flock and can remember human faces for years.  They have rectangular pupils which gives them almost 360’ vision and the ability to see behind themselves without moving their heads. They love to play. They can experience emotions including stress or isolation.

Something to Ponder: At the baptism of Jesus, two animals are mentioned, The Lamb and the Dove.  Both have gentle natures.  The Passion Translation gives us something to think about when it says, “If you want the presence of the Dove, you need to have the nature of the Lamb”.

There is a beautiful prophetic picture of Jesus in the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genises 22.  When they were going up the mountain to sacrifice to God, Isaac noticed there was no animal for the sacrifice.  Abraham responded “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering my son”.  In Jesus we know that God himself has provided the sacrifice for our sin and for our total reconciliation with Him. We receive forgiveness, a fresh start and we are deeply loved and so much more!!  Take some time to remember every we have because Jesus willingly offered himself for us.

Further Reading:  Genesis 22, Exodus 12, Isaiah 53:7, John 1:29-34

- Donna Paulin