What Jesus Did! 'Lamb of God' — John 1:29

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
— John 1:29 NLT

Key Thought

Animal sacrifice seems so foreign, maybe even cruel, in our day. Yet it was God's way of helping people know that their sin was costly, injurious, and serious. Their sin didn't impact just them, but it touched all they influenced and it damaged their relationship with God. Taking a lamb from their own flock — something precious and of great value to them — cost them, hurt them, and opened their eyes to the seriousness of their rebellion and failure. However, when it came time for God to redeem us, to deal with our sin once and for all, he didn't ask us to offer something that cost us greatly. No, he furnished the sacrifice at great cost to himself. That Lamb of God, that sacrifice for our sins, is Jesus. John's words remind us that from the beginning of Jesus' ministry, he was God's sacrificial Lamb. He came to save, redeem, and ransom us from sin. He is the Lamb of God. So, at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, John the Baptizer's words invite us to "Look!" and see the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" If we watch, and listen, and open our hearts, we will see the Lamb.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for providing the sacrifice that paid for my sins. Give me a deep sense of sorrow for my sin and a deep sense of wonder for your grace that provided the sacrifice for my sins and the gift of my salvation. To you belong all thanks, honor, and praise, now and forevermore, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 John 2:1-2
  • 1 Peter 1:18-21
  • Revelation 7:10

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Illustration

Illustration of John 1:29 NLT — The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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