Lamb of God

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) these are the words of John when Jesus comes to him at the river Jordan to be baptized. Why does John call Jesus, the Lamb of God? Let us discover how the Word of God draws a connection between the sacrifice of Jesus, the offered Lamb, and the forgiveness of sins !

This is the Lamb of God

The Blood of the Lamb

Jesus is the Lamb of God who came to remove sin from the world. In the past, as we see in the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament, God’s people had to offer sacrifices of animals (goats, bulls, lambs, etc.) and thanks to the blood taken from these animals, the sins of the people were forgiven. However, the blood of Jesus did not just compensate for the sin of men but he completely erased it.

Jesus’s Sacrifice

In chapter 10 of the book of Hebrews, we see the parallel between the Old Covenant and the sacrifices that were demanded by the Law and the New Covenant where God’s forgiveness is already granted thanks to the blood of Jesus who poured at the cross of Golgotha. It is written: “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: ‘Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; ‘It is impossible, indeed, for blood from bulls and goats to remove sins. Also, upon entering the world, Christ says: You did not want sacrifice or offering, but you formed me a body.” (Hebrews 10:4-5)

Biblical passages presenting Jesus as the Lamb of God

Jesus Announces his sacrifice

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26, 26-28)

Ecce Agnus Dei

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.” (John 1:29-30)

Christ, the Passover Lamb

"Get rid of the old yeast” so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)

Christ offered himself

“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (Hebrews 9:14)

The Redemption: Jesus Christ redeems us with his blood

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

He brought our sins to the cross

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. [...] “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:21,24)

The forgiveness of God

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Jesus Christ died on the cross so that all men may be saved and delivered from sin. The only condition is to recognize our sins and believe in Jesus; God then envelops us with his mercy. So let us not be afraid to approach God, Jesus reconciled us with God through his sacrifice on the cross.