BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 1:19-36
Key Verse: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 53:5-7, Exodus 12:5-13, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Hebrews 9:11-14, Revelation 5:12
INTRODUCTION
When John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching, he made a powerful declaration: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” This statement was not merely an introduction but a divine revelation of Christ’s identity and mission. John pointed people away from himself and directed their attention to Jesus, the true solution to humanity’s deepest problem - sin.
The concept of a lamb was deeply significant to the Jewish people. Throughout the Old Testament, lambs were offered as sacrifices for sin. From the Passover lamb in Egypt to the daily sacrifices in the temple, the lamb symbolised atonement, innocence, and redemption. These sacrifices pointed prophetically to the ultimate sacrifice that would come through Jesus Christ.
By calling Jesus the Lamb of God, John revealed that Christ was the fulfilment of all Old Testament sacrifices. He came not only to teach or perform miracles but to give His life as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Through His death and resurrection, humanity receives forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life.
1. THE LAMB OF GOD WAS FOREORDAINED FOR REDEMPTION
Jesus did not become the Lamb of God by accident; He was chosen by God from the foundation of the world to redeem humanity.
a) God prepared the Lamb before creation (1 Peter 1:19-20)
The scripture teaches that Christ was foreordained before the foundation of the world. God’s plan of redemption was established even before sin entered the world.
b) The Lamb was prophesied in the Old Testament (Isaiah 53:7)
Isaiah prophetically described the Messiah as a lamb led to the slaughter. This prophecy clearly pointed to the sacrificial death of Christ.
c) The Lamb was provided by God Himself (Genesis 22:8)
When Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, he declared that God would provide Himself a lamb. This statement prophetically pointed to Jesus Christ.
d) The Lamb fulfilled God’s redemptive plan (Revelation 13:8)
Jesus is described as the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, revealing that His sacrifice was central to God’s eternal plan.
Biblical Example:
When Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac, God provided a ram as a substitute, illustrating the principle of substitution that would ultimately be fulfilled in Christ (Genesis 22:13).
2. THE LAMB OF GOD TAKES AWAY SIN
The greatest mission of Christ as the Lamb of God was to remove the burden of sin from humanity.
a) Christ became the sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:26)
Jesus appeared once at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. His death accomplished what animal sacrifices could never achieve.
b) The blood of the Lamb brings forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7)
Through the blood of Christ we receive redemption and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of God’s grace.
c) The Lamb cleanses the conscience (Hebrews 9:14)
The blood of Christ purifies our conscience from dead works so that we can serve the living God.
d) The Lamb removes the power of sin (Romans 6:14)
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, sin no longer has dominion over those who believe in Him.
Biblical Example:
During the Passover in Egypt, the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from the destroyer, symbolising the protective power of Christ’s blood (Exodus 12:13).
3. THE LAMB OF GOD BRINGS SALVATION TO THE WORLD
The mission of Christ was not limited to a particular nation but extended to all humanity.
a) The Lamb came for the whole world (John 1:29)
John declared that Jesus takes away the sin of the world. This shows that the salvation offered by Christ is available to all people.
b) Salvation is received through faith in the Lamb (John 3:16)
Those who believe in Christ receive eternal life and are saved from condemnation.
c) The Lamb gathers people from every nation (Revelation 7:9)
A great multitude from every tribe and nation will stand before the throne of the Lamb, celebrating His salvation.
d) The Lamb gives eternal life (John 10:28)
Jesus grants eternal life to those who follow Him, and no one can snatch them out of His hand.
Biblical Example:
The Ethiopian eunuch believed in Christ after hearing the prophecy of Isaiah concerning the suffering lamb, demonstrating that salvation is for all nations (Acts 8:32-35).
4. THE LAMB OF GOD DESERVES OUR WORSHIP
Because of His sacrifice and victory, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is worthy of honour, praise, and worship.
a) The Lamb is worthy because of His sacrifice (Revelation 5:9)
The heavenly hosts sing a new song declaring that the Lamb is worthy because He redeemed people with His blood.
b) The Lamb receives eternal praise (Revelation 5:12)
Angels and saints proclaim that the Lamb deserves power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory, and blessing.
c) Believers overcome through the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11)
The victory of believers over the enemy is made possible through the blood of the Lamb.
d) The Lamb reigns forever (Revelation 22:3)
The throne of God and of the Lamb will be established forever, and His servants shall worship Him.
Biblical Example:
In heaven, multitudes of angels and redeemed saints gather before the throne, worshipping the Lamb who was slain and declaring His eternal worthiness (Revelation 5:11-13).
CONCLUSION
The declaration “Behold the Lamb of God” invites every person to recognise Jesus Christ as the divine sacrifice for sin. From the Old Testament sacrifices to the prophecies of the prophets, everything pointed to Christ as the ultimate Lamb provided by God for humanity’s redemption.
Today, the call remains the same: behold the Lamb. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, His sacrifice removes our sin, restores our relationship with God, and gives us eternal life. Therefore, believers must continually look to Christ, honour His sacrifice, and live lives that glorify the Lamb of God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, let the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus remove every stain of sin from my life, in Jesus name.
3. Father, help me to continually behold Christ and remain faithful to Him, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, deliver me from every bondage of sin through the power of the blood of the Lamb, in Jesus name.
5. Father, let the redemptive work of Christ bring total transformation into my life, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, empower me to live a life that honours the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let the victory of the Lamb manifest in every battle of my life, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, draw many souls to salvation through the message of the Lamb of God, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let my life continually testify of the power of the blood of Jesus, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, help me to worship and serve the Lamb of God faithfully all the days of my life, in Jesus name.
