John 1:29 “The Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world”. John’s choice of words wasn’t random, but rather a fulfillment of a prophecy given at the end of Israel’s bondage and slavery in Egypt. The 10th and final plague, was to be the death of the first born, sparing no man nor beast, except those obedient to God… At this time in Israel’s history, they listened... Lamb’s blood was to be painted on the door post of every Hebrew household. The Angel of Death would see the sacrifice was made and pass over that household. This was the plague that not only earned them their freedom, but they carried away gifts… riches of Egypt . The sacrifice of the lamb saved the first born of Israel. Isaiah prophesies over the Servant of God, He would be oppressed and afflicted but submissive, not opening his mouth, like a lamb led to slaughter. So when John sees Jesus and calls Him the Lamb of God, everyone present would know it, too. The children of Israel had been celebrating the Feast of the Passover in remembrance of their Deliverer and their deliverance from bondage, ushering in the beginning of their wilderness wandering… their classroom without walls, then cresting that hill to see the land God had promised them. Those with eyes to see and ears to hear would know and be changed. In the moment, would they understand what comes next? How their lives would change, their faith advancing to a whole new level? A time when the sacrificial system was no longer needed because He would pay the price with His own blood… and it would be enough. Enough for past, present and future sin. The power that death had through sin would be defeated through the crucifixion, the blood sacrifice of the One Who was both Man and God… the timing was perfect. Lord, we ask You to protect our hearts against being complacent about what You’ve done and remembering doesn’t just become a ritual, but that our heart is renewed, refreshed as we consider what You needed to do to ‘save us a seat’ in heaven.
