Day 3 – When John Saw the Lamb

John the Baptist did not seek recognition or fame. His entire life had been preparation to point to Another. One day, as he saw Jesus approaching the Jordan River, he declared one of the most profound statements in the Gospel:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 ESV)

In that one sentence, he summarized centuries of prophecy, sacrifice, and hope.

From Genesis to Malachi, God had taught His people that sin brings death and that only an innocent life could cover the guilt of the guilty. Every lamb sacrificed in Exodus 12 pointed to a greater reality—the blood of the true Lamb, who would shield His people from divine wrath. When John saw Jesus, he understood: no more sacrifices were needed. The final Lamb had come.

Isaiah 53:7 (ESV) foretold this moment:

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”

This image of meekness and suffering was fulfilled in Christ. He came not merely to teach, but to be slain. Psalm 22:17-18 (ESV) had described the crucifixion with astonishing detail:

“I can count all my bones—

they stare and gloat over me;

they divide my garments among them,

and for my clothing they cast lots.”

Nothing about the cross was accidental. Every detail revealed God’s plan to redeem His people through the Lamb.

Peter explains it clearly:

“You were ransomed not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:18–19 ESV)

This rescue was not symbolic—it was substitutionary. On the cross, the guilt of sinners was laid upon the Lamb, and His righteousness was counted to us. As Paul wrote,

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV)

Hebrews 9:14 (ESV) adds,

“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”

The Lamb does not only remove our guilt—He cleanses our hearts so that we can live new lives. The grace that saves is the same grace that transforms.

Revelation 5:6 (ESV) paints a glorious picture:

“I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain.”

The Lamb was sacrificed, yes—but He lives and reigns. Heaven sings a new song:

“Worthy are you to take the scroll for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9 ESV)

That is the ultimate reason for Advent and Christmas: the coming of the Lamb who gathers the redeemed from every corner of the earth.

Tim Keller once said, “Jesus did not come to be an inspiration but an atonement.”

The gospel is not a call to self-improvement—it is the announcement that our only hope is the sacrifice of the Lamb. To worship Christ is to surrender to the reality that His blood, not our goodness, is what saves.

When John saw the Lamb, he saw the center of the entire redemptive story. During Advent, we also look upon the Lamb: remembering that He came as a child, died as a sacrifice, and will return as a King. The Lamb who was slain is also the Lion who will reign.

Practical Reflection:

• Do you see Jesus only as an example, or as the Lamb who died for you?

How can gratitude for His blood shape your daily life?

Spend a few moments reading Revelation 5:9 (ESV) and worship the Lamb who lives and reigns forever.