The actual term “Lamb of God” is only mentioned two times in the Bible even though it is a common phrase used in the Christian community.  While it is often considered a reference to the Passover meal, it can also be linked to the daily sacrifice of lambs that took place at the temple every morning and evening.  This sacrificial offering was a symbol of deliverance, forgiveness of sin and salvation.  Notice that John the Baptist wanted people to recognize and know “who” Jesus was.

If you were to ask people on the street what it means when Jesus is described as a lamb, there is a good chance they would describe Jesus as gentle and nice. While he probably was gentle, that is not why he was called the “Lamb of God.”  The day before he was asked if he was Elijah the prophet.  He denied being Elijah but stated he was the one to who would point the way toward the Lord.  The next day when he spotted Jesus walking toward him, he wanted all of them to see that Jesus had the ability to forgive them of their sins. 

Too many people in our society discount the problem of sin. They fail to realize how sin can separate us from the presence of God.   In fact, all have sinned, and all have been separated from God.  John the Baptist recognized that Jesus had the ability to be the sacrificial offering that would remove sin in your life so that you can have a relationship with God.  Jesus has the power to bring you eternal salvation.  This is the promise that God made to us when He sent his son to the cross.  Are you able to recognize the sin in your life?  As you prepare for Easter and the celebration of the resurrection, take time to remember that Jesus was willing to be the sacrificial lamb so that you could be delivered from destruction.  Remember that you have the hope of knowing that God is with you!

Read John 1:19-34