How does John 1:29 reveal Jesus' role as "the Lamb of God"? The Setting at the Jordan • “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him” (John 1:29). • John the Baptist stands as a divinely appointed witness (John 1:6-7), preparing Israel for Messiah’s arrival. • At the precise moment Jesus appears, John’s inspired declaration anchors our understanding of why the Messiah came. The Lamb Revealed • “Look” – A call to fix our eyes on Jesus alone for salvation. • “the Lamb” – Not a mere symbol, but the once-for-all sacrifice prefigured in every Old Covenant offering. • “of God” – Supplied by God Himself, not by human effort (cf. Genesis 22:8). • “who takes away” – Actively removes, carries off, and disposes of sin’s guilt (cf. 1 John 3:5). • “the sin of the world” – His atoning work reaches beyond Israel to every nation (cf. 1 John 2:2). Old Testament Foreshadowing • Passover lamb: blood applied, judgment passes over (Exodus 12:3-13). • Isaac on Moriah: a substitute provided “on the mountain of the LORD” (Genesis 22:13-14). • Daily sacrifice: continual offerings pointing to a greater, final act (Exodus 29:38-42). • Isaiah’s Servant: “like a lamb led to the slaughter” bearing iniquity (Isaiah 53:6-7, 10-11). • Results: forgiveness, covenant fellowship, and deliverance—all accomplished fully in Christ (Hebrews 10:1-10). The Purpose of the Lamb • Substitution—He dies where sinners should (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Expiation—He removes our sin and its penalty (Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 9:26). • Propitiation—He satisfies divine wrath, reconciling us to God (Romans 3:25). • Redemption—His blood purchases our freedom (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Universal invitation—whoever believes is cleansed (John 3:16-17). Personal Implications • Trust: rest in the finished work of the Lamb, not personal merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Freedom: sin’s power and condemnation are broken (Romans 8:1-2). • Worship: join heaven’s song, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 5:12). • Witness: like John, point others to Jesus, the only Savior (Acts 4:12). Key Takeaways • John 1:29 centers the gospel on Christ’s sacrificial identity. • Every Old Testament shadow finds its substance in Jesus. • The Lamb’s mission is global, gracious, and guaranteed effective. • Confidence, holiness, and joy flow from embracing the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. |
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