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“On 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
Into the Text
John the Baptist spent his life preparing the way for the Messiah. He had waited, watched, and pointed others toward repentance. And then, one day, Jesus walked toward him.
Behold, the Lamb of God.
It was a declaration filled with rich meaning. Lambs were an essential component of the Jewish sacrificial system. The lambs offered had to be spotless, without any blemish. Each one was killed as a symbol of atonement, a reminder of the cost of sin and with longing for permanent forgiveness and peace with God.
And this is exactly what Jesus came to give. He would not be another temporary offering. He was the final, sinless, spotless, perfect, and once-and-for-all sacrifice. The One who would willingly lay down His life so that we could be made right with God – forever!
When John pointed to Jesus as the Lamb, he meant that Jesus would die, and not just die, but be slaughtered like a lamb on the altar. And he understood that this sacrifice would take away the sin of the world, and benefit not just the Jews, but anyone who would receive Jesus.
Sweet friend, the next time you realize that you are a great sinner, look to Jesus who is an even greater Savior. He came to take all your sin away, to save you, and not to condemn you.
Look to Him. Behold Him.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for being the Lamb who came to take away my sins. Let my heart be filled with gratitude and awe as I behold you today. Amen.