THE STORY OF JESUS: John 1:29-34
“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 God’s grace, how He 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?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
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!