The Lamb of God

John 1:9-29

We use many names for Jesus—the Christ, Teacher, Messiah, Prophet, and King, among others. But one name stands out as a comprehensive description of the Lord’s purpose: the Lamb of God. His miracles and teachings were all remarkable, but even greater was His death on the cross.

Our Savior’s sacrifice was the heart of the Father’s plan for mankind. Since the beginning, God has dealt with the sins of His people through a blood offering. He Himself offered the first sacrifice when He killed an animal and used its skin as coverings for Adam and Eve. The fig leaves they were wearing could cover their bodies but not their wrongdoing.

Leviticus 17:11 tells us that the life is in the blood and “it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.” Ezekiel adds, “The soul who sins will die” (18:4). Sin always requires death because of the righteousness and holiness of God. Either a life must end as payment for sin, or a life must be given as payment for another’s wrongdoing.

The way God has always dealt with man’s transgression is through sacrifice. Jesus came as the sin-bearer for the entire world: He assumed full responsibility for all our iniquity and guilt so we can be free from punishment. By His death, we’re made righteous and holy in God’s eyes.

Why is it important to refer to Christ as the Lamb of God? Because doing so acknowledges the substitutionary death wherein God unleashed His full fury and righteous judgment upon Jesus. As a result, we can stand before God and say, “Thank You that I can call You my Father.”

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