Lamb of god
Summary
A title for Jesus Christ used by John the Baptist, signifying His role as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world.
☩John's Testimony
John the Baptist twice identified Jesus as 'the Lamb of God' (John 1:29, 36). In declaring 'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,' John identified Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice—not merely covering sin like Old Testament offerings, but removing it entirely. This title connected Jesus with the entire sacrificial system that pointed forward to His death.
☩Old Testament Background
The title draws on rich Old Testament imagery: the Passover lamb whose blood protected Israel from the death angel (Exodus 12); the daily sacrifices of lambs in the Temple (Exodus 29:38-42); Abraham's prophetic words, 'God will provide himself a lamb' (Genesis 22:8); and especially Isaiah's Suffering Servant, 'brought as a lamb to the slaughter' (Isaiah 53:7). Peter explicitly connects Christ's blood with 'a lamb without blemish and without spot' (1 Peter 1:19).
☩The Lamb in Revelation
In Revelation, 'the Lamb' becomes a primary title for the exalted Christ, appearing nearly 30 times. He is 'the Lamb that was slain' yet stands in triumph (Revelation 5:6, 12). He is worthy to open the sealed book (Revelation 5:9), leads His people to living waters (Revelation 7:17), overcomes all enemies (Revelation 17:14), and with His bride celebrates the 'marriage supper of the Lamb' (Revelation 19:7-9).
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Lamb of God," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Lamb of God," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).