Lamb of God

April 30, 2025 | Read and Think About John 1.19-34

Our last three posts have branched off to think about a paralyzed man who received both forgiveness and physical healing from Jesus, a sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving for mercy and forgiveness shown to her, and a parable Jesus told which contrasted an arrogant Pharisee with a humble tax collector. 

These accounts say something about the effect John the Baptist had on the people, how he stirred up in many hearts the desire to turn from past sins and receive forgiveness.

Now, we are back to John the Baptist himself, as we start to close out this module.  In some prior posts we looked at the mission of John the Baptist.  Today’s reading is about the testimony of John the Baptist, concerning Jesus. 

With 12 words, John the Baptist testified to the mission of Jesus on earth:  “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”  John 1:29. 

Let this powerful testimony sink in!  Our greatest need is the need for forgiveness from our sins. 

There is a note in the margin of my NIV Bible, part of which I have set out below.  Since it is expressed so well, I will not even try to comment on it further! 

“Every morning and evening, a lamb was sacrificed in the temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29:38-42) …. To pay the penalty for sin, a life had to be given – and God chose to provide the sacrifice himself….  Jesus paid the price of your sin [and mine] by His death.  You can receive forgiveness by confessing your sin to him and asking for his forgiveness.”

May the peace of the Lord be with you, as only He can provide!