A Lamb of God devotional points us where John the Baptist pointed: to Jesus. In John 1:29 (ESV), John sees Jesus and says, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. During Lent, we look again at the Lamb, whose sacrifice takes away our sin completely.
Key Verse
“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, ESV)
Behold the Lamb
John the Baptist was a popular prophet with many followers. Yet when Jesus walked toward him, John directed every eye to Christ. Behold means look, pay attention, see this. John’s whole ministry was about getting people to look at Jesus.
That is still the heart of faith. We are not saved by looking at ourselves but by beholding the Lamb.
Lambs in the Old Testament
John’s listeners would have thought of many lambs. At the first Passover, the blood of a lamb on the doorposts meant judgment passed over Israel’s homes. Lambs were offered daily at the temple. Isaiah described a servant led like a lamb to the slaughter. All of these pointed forward to Jesus.
Jesus is the Lamb that God himself provides, the final and perfect sacrifice.
The Sin of the World
John says the Lamb takes away the sin of the world. Not just covering it for a season, but taking it away. And not only the sin of one nation, but of the whole world, people from every tribe and language who trust in him.
That includes your sin. Whatever you have done, the Lamb of God is able to take it away.
Living as Forgiven People
Because the Lamb has taken our sin, we do not have to carry it. We can stop trying to pay for it ourselves through guilt or performance. We can worship him with grateful hearts and point others to him, just as John did.
As Holy Week draws closer, let this title shape your prayers. Each time you take communion, remember that the Lamb has already been offered, and nothing more needs to be added to his finished work.
Today, Try This
Write the words Behold the Lamb of God somewhere you will see them often today, and each time, thank Jesus for taking away your sin.
Reflection Question
What sin or guilt do you need to stop carrying and leave with the Lamb of God?
Prayer
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on me. Thank you for being the perfect sacrifice. Thank you for taking away my sin. Help me behold you, worship you, and point others to you. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lamb of God mean?
Lamb of God is a title for Jesus that points to his sacrificial death. In John 1:29 (ESV), John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, fulfilling Passover and temple sacrifices.
Why is Jesus called the Lamb of God?
Jesus is called the Lamb of God because he fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system. Like the Passover lamb, his blood brings deliverance, and as the perfect sacrifice, he takes away sin once for all.
Who said ‘Behold the Lamb of God’?
John the Baptist said these words in John 1:29 when he saw Jesus approaching. He was directing his followers’ attention away from himself and toward Jesus as the promised Savior.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Gospel of John study
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: John 1:19-51 Bible Study
- Related: What Is Truth? Jesus Before Pilate
- Related: John 5:19-47 Bible Study: The Son Who Gives Life
- Bible Questions Answered