“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’“ (John 1:29)
I come from a family that is very fond of nicknames. Each of us has a few, attached to different stages or stories from our lives. Alongside several more embarrassing options, my parents and siblings have always been the only people to address me as “Rachie.”
It is common to reserve certain monikers for those closest to us. My husband Bill has only ever been “Billy” to his mom; I call my oldest friend Meghan, “Meg,” a privilege extended to select few outside her immediate family.
The names we call people symbolize our relationship to them. Similarly, the title with which John the Baptist addresses Jesus in this passage shows a lot about what He means to John—and tells those listening what He will come to mean to us.
Before this address appears, the Pharisees had interrogated John as he performed baptisms in the desert; he explained that he was simply present to point to the Messiah about which their prophets had foretold. The next day, Jesus arrives—and that’s when John exclaims, he’s here! This is the one I was telling you about!
John identifies Jesus using the image of the sacrificial lamb, a reference breadcrumbed throughout Old Testament prophecy. Jesus is the perfect representation of this image because He is the ultimate sacrifice; He was offered in our place on the Cross, a most gracious gift to mankind to cover our sin and restore our relationship with God. Jesus is the hope of the world, and John the Baptist knows this; with the words he chooses, he directs attention to the Messiah and the work He will ultimately do for everyone who hears the address.
Lent offers the opportunity to heed John’s words. May we take time in this season to truly reflect on the gift we have been given!
For reflection:
- John’s title for Jesus, “the Lamb of God” reflected Jesus’ primary mission in this world. What would be a title you would give Him based on His place in your life?
by Rachel Shuster
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