PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 1:29-34
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
For Jews, the sacrificed lamb was a very important symbol for their faith.
It reminded them of grace, how God released them from their sin and guilt.
But the repeated sacrifices never succeeded in ending sin and guilt.
Yet there was hope, inspired by Isaiah, that the messiah would end sin once for all.
“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
“He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Hebrews 9:26)
John declares that Jesus is this messiah, this final sacrificial lamb!
Jesus has died: the penalty (guilt) of sin has been paid.
Jesus has risen: the power (grip) of sin has been broken.
We still sin, but with the Spirit’s help we can change, we can grow, we can improve!
We are not doomed, we have his strength and promise to aid us in our struggle with sin.
Do you live as if Jesus has released you from the guilt and grip of sin?
PRAYER
Lord, though I still fight sin in my life, it no longer dooms me. I have hope and strength everyday to resist sin, choose goodness, and gradually become more and more like you!
John the Baptist’s testimony is a witness to who Jesus is – before Jesus begins his ministry: ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” John was there as were the apostles – I wasn’t but to me their testimony is believable – it fits with what was prophesized! Lord Jesus you are the lamb of God – the lamb that bore the sin of the world so that we might be righteous – sons of God! Thank you Jesus!
Remember the blood of the lamb on the lintels when the people were in Egypt land? They were spared by the blood of the lamb and freed from captivity. His blood continues to free His people (me) also today so that I am free to serve. His blood redeemed His people then and also today. His Spirit led His people then and His Spirit continues to lead me today. What a Saviour!
Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!