Read: Gen. 4:1-5, Rev. 5

“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God.” John 1:29 

There is a beautiful analogy in Scripture that compares a shepherd and his sheep to the Lord Jesus and His people.  It is interesting that Jesus referred repeatedly to Jewish shepherds to make a point in his preaching.  The most profound instances are His references to the shepherd giving his life for the sheep. 

But there is a deeper significance in Christ’s place as the Lamb of God.  To understand this we must go back to the beginning.  What is the place of the lamb in Bible chronology?  Rejoice, as we follow the lamb. 

In Genesis 4, we see the offering of Abel’s lamb being accepted by God over the offering of Cain.  While we cannot understand this fully, it is clear that Abel offered blood but Cain did not.  Abel’s attitude of thanks, and the depth of his commitment in offering blood revealed his desire for atonement.  We see a lamb for a man. 

In Exodus 12, blood was involved in the Passover offering.  Here redemption was needed for deliverance from God’s judgment on Egypt, in the slaying of the firstborn son.  The blood applied to the door posts signified obedience.  The symbol becomes richer here.  We see a lamb for a family. 

Exodus 29:38-46 describes the offering of the Lamb, morning and evening, as a continual burnt offering for the sins of the Israelites.  God told them in verse 46 of His intent to dwell among them and be their God. We see a lamb for a nation. 

The resounding crescendo of this symbol is found in today’s key verse—a lamb for the world.  What happened at Calvary was monumental.  A Lamb slain for the sin of all mankind.  Do you believe in Jesus, the Lamb of God?

~James Baer