Scripture: John 1:29 (ESV) – “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'”
When we come to John 1:29, we find a verse that contains some of the most precious and profound words ever uttered about our Lord Jesus Christ. Here, John the Baptist, upon seeing Jesus, declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Let us carefully consider this remarkable statement and the glorious truths it contains.
First, note the title given to our Lord: “the Lamb of God.” This name is full of deep significance. It takes us back to the sacrificial system established by God in the Old Testament. Lambs were regularly offered as sacrifices to make atonement for sin, and the blood of the Passover lamb was a symbol of deliverance from death. By referring to Jesus as the Lamb of God, John the Baptist signifies that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all these types and shadows. He is the true and perfect sacrifice, the One who willingly lays down His life to make full satisfaction for the sins of humanity. No more sacrifices are needed; the work is complete in Him.
Consider, then, the wonder of this sacrifice. Jesus is not just any lamb; He is the Lamb of God—God’s own provision for our salvation. The spotless, sinless Son of God came into the world with one purpose: to die in our place, to bear our sins in His body on the tree. What love, what grace, is displayed in these words! Do we grasp the enormity of this truth? Have we truly beheld the Lamb of God in our own hearts, understanding what it cost Him to purchase our redemption?
Let us also ponder the scope of Christ’s work. John declares that Jesus “takes away the sin of the world.” This does not mean that all are saved automatically, but it does mean that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for every sinner, no matter how great their sin or how far they have strayed. His atonement is offered freely to all who come to Him in faith. Here we see the boundless compassion and mercy of our Savior. There is no sinner too vile, no soul too lost, for the grace of God in Christ to reach.
And yet, how often do we take this truth lightly! How many times have we heard of the Lamb of God and remained unmoved, as though His sacrifice were a small or ordinary thing? Let it not be so. We must behold Him—not with a casual or indifferent gaze, but with the eyes of our soul fixed intently upon Him. Beholding the Lamb of God should bring us to our knees in humble gratitude and awe. It should awaken in us a deep sense of our sin and our need for a Savior, followed by the joyful realization that Jesus has done everything necessary to take our sins away.
Dear friends, let us not grow cold or indifferent to this truth. Let us behold the Lamb of God daily, remembering the price He paid and the love He has shown. Let it shape our lives, our decisions, and our witness to the world.
Reflection Questions:
- Have you truly beheld the Lamb of God in your heart, and does His sacrifice move you to a deeper love and devotion to Him?
- Are you living in the light of His atoning work, sharing the message of grace with those who have yet to know the Savior?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank You for coming into the world as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Help us to behold You rightly, with hearts full of reverence and gratitude. Let Your sacrifice never become a common or unremarkable thing to us. Fill us with a desire to live for You and to proclaim Your saving work to those around us. In Your precious name, Amen.
*edited and modernized from the writings of J.C. Ryle*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 