Why Is Jesus Called the Lamb of God?
Share
One of the most fitting titles for Jesus is the Lamb of God. The imagery of a lamb makes you appreciate who Jesus is even more. Rather than appearing as a triumphant ruler, Jesus chose to embody humility by taking on the role of a gentle lamb.
The title Lamb of God puts a direct spotlight onto the primary mission for which Jesus came. He came to sacrificially offer his life for the redemption of humanity. More personally, he came to die for you and me. Just understanding that will help you see why Jesus is called the Lamb of God.
As we delve into the imagery and meaning behind the Lamb of God, we are drawn into a deeper appreciation of who Jesus is and the profound impact his sacrifice has had on our lives.
Where in the Bible Is Jesus Called "Lamb of God" or "the Lamb"?
There are references throughout the Bible that point to Jesus as the Lamb of God. Each one highlights a different aspect of Jesus being the Lamb of God.
Jesus, the Lamb who takes away our sin
“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).
“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’” (John 1:35-36).
Jesus, the conquering lamb
“Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people” (Revelation 5:5-8).
Jesus, the suffering lamb
“He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth”(Isaiah 53:7).
Jesus, the sacrificial Passover lamb
“Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch — as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7).
Jesus, the spotless, perfect lamb
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Why Was the Lamb Important in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament, the lamb held significant symbolic value. It was closely associated with various sacrifices connected to themes of redemption, atonement, and deliverance. The sacrifice of lambs in the Old Testament was a foreshadowing and symbolism pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb. He was the only true Lamb of God because his sacrifice provided eternal redemption and forgiveness for all who believe in Him.
We see the power of the blood of the lamb in the Passover narrative. During this time the Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a one-year-old spotless lamb and apply its blood to their doorposts. When the angel of death saw the blood of the lamb on their doorposts he would pass over their house and they would escape judgement.
This is symbolic of our own salvation because as Peter said, we have been redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus the Lamb of God. Because of his blood we too will escape God’s judgment.
The lamb was also significant because when God established the law, he established a sacrificial system which required the offering of lambs as a means of atonement for sin. The lambs served as substitutes, bearing the guilt of the people and providing a temporary covering for their transgressions. The shedding of the lamb's blood symbolized the cost that sin required.
For us, Christ represents our substitute for sin. He was the perfect lamb whose sacrifice was necessary to restore the broken relationship between God and all humanity. Instead of judging us, God judged Jesus in our place. He bore all our iniquities, even though he was sinless, and because he was judged, we don’t have to be.
“But 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.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all”
One Final Understanding Related to Jesus the Lamb of God
There is one final thing to point to when you think of Jesus as the Lamb of God. Jesus is the worthy lamb. Revelation goes on to tell us why he is worthy. The lamb was slain and by his blood he purchased us for the Father. People from every tribe, nation, and language are all made to be priests to serve the living God. This only happens because of Jesus the Lamb of God.
Because Jesus is the Lamb of God, there are two songs we will one day sing before his throne.
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
Jesus is no longer a slain lamb; he is now seated in the position of glory and honor. One day we will all bow before the lamb in worship. Because he is the Lamb of God, for all eternity Jesus will bear in his body the marks of the cross. We will forever be reminded that our salvation was not because of anything we have done, but by the sacrifice of Jesus who is the Lamb of God.
Conclusion
If you are ever tempted to think more highly of yourself, or think you are anything at all, just remember Jesus. His selfless act of becoming the sacrificial lamb for our sins is a testament to his immeasurable love for us. For this reason, he is worthy of our worship and our dedication. He set an example for us to follow. Just as he gave up everything for us, we should be willing to surrender our own desires and ambitions to fulfill the purpose he has for our lives.
Let us pledge our allegiance to Jesus the Lamb of God because there is no one else who deserves it more than he does. When we do, then we can truly become the people he has called us to be, bringing light and hope to a world that desperately needs it.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Filip_Krstic
