The Lamb of God

John 1:29–42 CEB

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is really greater than me because he existed before me.’ 31 Even I didn’t recognize him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be made known to Israel.” 32 John testified, “I saw the Spirit coming down from heaven like a dove, and it rested on him. 33 Even I didn’t recognize him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit coming down and resting is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and testified that this one is God’s Son.” 35 The next day John was standing again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus walking along he said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard what he said, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he asked, “What are you looking for?” They said, “Rabbi (which is translated Teacher), where are you staying?” 39 He replied, “Come and see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two disciples who heard what John said and followed Jesus was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Christ 42 He led him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

The Lamb of God

Has your life ever had a turning point when everything changed? That was the instant you understood you could not continue the way you were. That moment arrived for me in the spring and summer of 2000.

I had all the head knowledge down and was en route to ordination, meeting all the requirements. I could point to the Scripture, explain the teaching, and state what our Articles of Faith say concerning Entire Sanctification. Still, I sensed deep down something was missing. For myself, I had not personally experienced it.

I checked the box indicating I hadn't experienced Entire Sanctification when I applied for the renewal of my district license that year. That choice resulted in a meeting with the board of ministry, during which I was asked about my marking of that box. Deep down, I felt lost even as I tried to clarify my spiritual situation. After they prayed for me, I left the meeting confident my license wouldn't be renewed.

However, God had other ideas.

Pastor Jerome Hancock, who was on the board, followed me into the hallway. The things he said to me came straight from the Lord. "It's a matter of faith, not head knowledge you're struggling with," he stated. You lack the faith to think that God is capable of carrying out what He says He can. God is going to accomplish it, though. You merely have to have trust.

He prayed for me there in the corridor, but I drove home discouraged, as though I were caught in this limbo of knowing what I needed but unable to grab hold of it.

Summer soon came. I reached the end of myself during NYI adolescent camp. I totally turned to God there on that sacred ground. In that instant, I felt the sanctifying activity of the Holy Spirit after giving Him all. It was real, not just words or theology now. Everything changed because of that.

When I consider this encounter, it brings to me the moment John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John was saying, "Here is the One who can change everything—not just your circumstances, but your very heart and life."

Today, we will consider what it means for Jesus to be the Lamb of God and how, like John the Baptist, we are invited to point people to Him.

The Revelation of the Lamb

John 1: 29 "The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

What did John see at that moment?

Just picture the scene briefly. John the Baptist is standing by the Jordan River, surrounded by those here to hear him preach and be baptized. Many of them are tired, longing for hope, seeking someone to help them out of their problems. They know that God promised a long time ago that there would be a Messiah, but they don't know who He is or when He'll come.

John then looks up and sees Jesus. Not just a man approaching him but the One. Declaring, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" his voice is full of conviction and wonder.

For John, this is absolutely pivotal. He has spent his whole life getting ready for this moment by telling people to repent from their sins, getting them baptized, and getting ready for the Messiah. And now here He is, the One John has been pointing out. John does not, however, merely designate Jesus as "Messiah," "King," or "Prophet." He calls Him the Lamb of God.

Why a lamb? This image is quite precise and would have enormous significance for those hearing. The Passover lamb, the one slain in Egypt so that the blood on the doorposts could protect God's people from death, would have been immediately recognized by them. They would have remembered the daily sacrifices of lambs in the temple, whose blood meant forgiveness for sin. Some who know Isaiah's prophecy could remember the picture of the suffering servant bearing the sins of many, described as a lamb headed toward the slaughter.

John's declaration was a profound statement about who Jesus was and what He came to accomplish. Jesus was more than an ordinary teacher or miracle worker. He was the ultimate sacrifice, sent by God to take on the sins of the world. Not just one person's sin. Not just Israel's sin. The sin of the entire world.

The kind of Messiah they were hoping for was not this one. They longed for a warrior, someone to bring Israel back to prominence by toppling Rome. But John names Jesus as the Lamb—gentle, humble, and sacrificial. In that instant, John reveals the core of God's will: Jesus came to lay down His life so that everyone who believes in Him could be saved.

John invites everyone around him to recognize Jesus for who He really is—not just with their eyes but with their hearts when he proclaims, "Behold the Lamb of God." He states, "This is the One you have been waiting for." He is coming to permanently, not just momentarily, transform things.

How do we behold the Lamb?

John the Baptist was asking people to recognize Jesus for who He truly was when he proclaimed, "Behold, the Lamb of God," instead of only making a statement. It is our invitation as well today. But what does it mean to "behold" Jesus? How can we see and experience Him in our lives, going beyond mere knowledge?

Think about our perceptions of what we see in daily life. Glancing at something is not like really seeing it. For instance, you might pass by a stunning artwork every day and not truly appreciate its subtleties until you stop and have a closer look. That's how it is to see Jesus. It's about slowing down, paying attention, and recognizing His presence and action in your life—not only about memorizing facts about Him or His name.

Many of us find our lives hectic. Work, family, errands—one thing after another—and it's easy for our faith to become another box to check. But John's call to "behold the Lamb of God" forces us to pause, search, and really see Jesus. It's an invitation to recognize Him not just as a Savior out there somewhere but as your Savior, the one who came for you personally.

You have taken the time to do that? Have you really looked at Jesus and let the truth of who He is soak in?" Yes, I know Jesus is the Lamb of God," is easy to say, but when was the last time you really considered what that means for your life?

Seeing Jesus as the Lamb of God should set something in motion in us—awe, thanksgiving, adoration. Imagine the weight of this: Jesus spared us His life. He chose to do it. To release us, Christ took on the sin of the world—your sin, mine sin. That is intensely personal, not only a theological concept.

Think about what Jesus has done for you. If you have experienced His forgiveness, compassion, and grace, how can you not react with thanks? Worshiping Jesus is more than just singing songs on Sunday. It's about daily life with a heart full of gratitude, allowing His sacrifice to mold your view of others and yourself.

One of the most powerful parts of John's statement is that Jesus doesn't just address individual sins—He takes away the sin of the world. That implies no sin too big, no failure too profound, no brokenness that is too great for Him to handle.

Here's where it gets serious: sometimes, we find it difficult to believe that. Perhaps we think, "Yes, Jesus can forgive other people, but not me." My sin is too much. On the other hand, "I have been trapped in this cycle of guilt and shame for so long; how could He really change me?"

The good news is that Jesus did not come for perfect people. He came seeking sinners. He came for those of us broken, hurting, and needing a Savior. And He carried your sin when He went to the cross, not merely bearing the sin of the world in a broad sense. He is calling you to put it at His feet and let Him take it away, to trust Him with it.

When you truly behold the Lamb of God, it changes the way you live. View the world differently now, through the lens of His grace and atonement. You begin to see chances to live with purpose, share the hope you discovered in Him, and reflect His love to others.

Hearing John's words today begs the question: Have you really seen the Lamb of God in your own life?

Though most of us know about Jesus in our minds, have you identified Him with your heart as the One who came to take away your sin? What would it look like for you to slow down and really behold Him this week—not as an idea or an abstract figure, but as your Savior?

This is exactly what happens in the next part of the passage. Two of John's disciples respond to his proclamation; they walk toward Jesus rather than only hearing about Him. And when they do, Jesus turns and extends an invitation that forever changes their lives.

The Invitation to Follow

John 1:39 "Come and see, he urged them. They came and saw where He was staying and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour)."

Imagine this: John points to Jesus and says, "Behold, the Lamb of God," and two of John's followers choose to follow Jesus. Presumably, they start walking towards Him without knowing what to say or how He would react. Then, a fantastic thing occurs—Jesus turns toward them.

This seemingly insignificant act reveals so much about Jesus. He pays them attention instead of dismissing them. He doesn't ignore them or walk away. Turning toward them, Jesus recognizes their decision to follow Him. This reminds us that Jesus is not distant or unapproachable. He sees, recognizes, and invites us into a relationship with Him.

For us, this is absolutely personal. Jesus is always turning toward us. He is always aware of our whereabouts, our search, and the questions we carry. He urges us to get closer as he did with those disciples.

"What are you seeking?" Jesus asks the disciples first, and he turns to them. It's such a profound moment because it forces them—and us—to reflect on our deepest desires.

Jesus seems to be asking, "Why are you following me?" What are you looking for?"

Maybe they were looking for direction, a feeling of belonging, or hope and purpose. Maybe their curiosity drove them to question whether Jesus indeed was the Messiah John had described.

The same questions concern us: what are you looking for? Do you yearn for peace among anarchy? Healing from past hurts? A deeper sense of meaning? Not because He wants to test us but rather because He wants to meet us where we are; Jesus asks us to bring those desires to Him.

When the disciples ask their own question, "Where are you staying?" Jesus does not provide an in-depth response. "Come and see," is all he says.

This invitation is both basic and profound. Jesus wasn't forcing them to follow Him or attempting to persuade them by lengthy debate. Rather, He invites them to take the next step, to walk with Him, and experience who He is for themselves.

That is the core of discipleship. Following Jesus is not about knowing exactly what the trip will look like or having all the answers right up front. It's about trusting Him enough to move forward even if our understanding is incomplete.

That one step changed everything for those two disciples. Spending the day with Jesus, they concluded that He was the Messiah. Being with Jesus has great power; your life is transformed when you spend time with Him.

Jesus' offer to "come and see" is still open today. But what does it mean to follow Him in our everyday lives?

It begins with a natural curiosity. Like the disciples, you can follow Jesus without having everything worked out. Maybe you want hope, clarity, or answers. Jesus encourages you to walk with Him as you learn more about him; he welcomes your questions. It requires trust. Often, following Jesus involves entering the unknown. Maybe He urges you to surrender something, change course, or spend more time with Him. Whatever it is, trust He will guide you at each step of the way. It centers on relationship. Notice that the disciples didn't just ask Jesus questions from a distance—they spent time with Him. Following Jesus means prioritizing that time—through prayer, reading the scriptures, worship, and listening for His voice in the quiet moments of our daily lives.

I want to challenge you this week to answer Jesus' invitation. This may mean spending more time in His Word or intentionally praying. It may mean stepping out in faith to follow Him in an area where you've been holding back.

Whatever it is, listen to His words: "Come and see." Step forward and see how your life starts to change when you spend time with the Lamb of God.

When he said, "Come and see," Jesus was not merely urging those disciples to join Him for their own benefit. Their encounter with Him changed them, so they could not keep it to themselves. They had to make known their findings.

Andrew, one of the disciples, rushed to find his brother Simon. "We have found the Messiah," he said in plain but profound terms. He did not try to persuade Simon with a sermon or lengthy theological debate. He just shared what he had experienced and brought Simon to Jesus.

When we encounter His transforming power, we are driven to point others to Him; this is the natural reaction to really following Jesus. Let's explore how we could live out this call daily.

The Call to Point Others to Jesus

John 1:41 "He first found his brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ)."

Andrew did not keep his encounter with Jesus a secret. He didn't consider, "This is amazing, but I'll just enjoy it quietly." Rather, he went first to see his brother Simon. Why? When you go through something that changes your life, you naturally want to tell the people you love about it.

Think about how we naturally pass on good news in other areas of life. A new grandchild was born, you got a promotion at work, and we share all sorts of good news. How much more should we spread the greatest news of all—that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior who changes lives?

Andrew lacked all the answers and did not attempt to explain everything. "We have found the Messiah," he said, simply sharing what he knew. That was all needed to lead Simon to Jesus.

We hesitate to share our beliefs sometimes because we feel inadequate. We worry about answering a difficult question or saying the wrong thing. Andrew's example, however, teaches us that sharing what you have gone through is more important than having all the answers when pointing others to Jesus.

Think about this: you already have everything you need to point someone else to Jesus if you personally experienced Him as the Lamb of God. You don't need to be a Bible expert or preacher. All you have to do is be ready to tell them to "come and see" for themselves.

That day, Andrew went to his brother and shared Jesus, which was seemingly insignificant. But that one invitation changed the course of history. The Simon Andrew presented to Jesus turned out to be Peter, the spiritual leader of the fledgling church.

This reminds us that even the most straightforward, essential act of pointing someone to Jesus can impact beyond what we could imagine. You never know how God could use your words, story, or invitation to transform someone's life—and maybe the lives of many others through them.

Who is your "Simon"? Who in your life needs to know about Jesus? It might be a friend, relative, coworker, or even someone you recently met. Like Andrew, your role is to share what you have discovered and rely on God with the rest.

Throughout this passage, we've seen a beautiful progression.

It begins with John the Baptist declaring, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" inviting us to see and recognize Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice who takes away the sin of the world. Then, we see the personal response of those who hear the invitation as they follow Jesus and discover who He truly is. Finally, we see how this encounter with Jesus overflows into action, as Andrew points his brother Simon to Jesus, starting a chain reaction that impacts countless lives.

This story reminds us that the Lamb of God is someone to follow and share with others rather than only someone to behold. So, what does this mean for us today? How will we respond?

Behold, Follow, Share

Let us pause for a moment to reflect. Imagine you were standing by the Jordan River that day, hearing John's words: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." You would have answered as follows? Would you have nodded and returned to your normal routine? Or would you have taken the initiative to follow Jesus and discover for yourself?

The truth is, that invitation is still available to us now.

Behold

Have you truly seen Jesus for who He is—the Lamb of God who forgives your sins? Someone you know personally, not only someone you know about. Maybe you've been following Him for years but need to take a break to see Him again genuinely. Or maybe you've never really accepted Him as your Savior, and now is the time to say, "Yes, Lord, I believe You are the Lamb who came to save me."

Follow Jesus

When we see Jesus, we naturally want to follow Him. However, following is more than just a one-time decision; it is a daily choice to walk with Him, learn from Him, and trust Him, even when the route is unknown. What does Jesus want you to do today? Is there a part of your life where He is urging you to trust Him more profoundly or surrender completely?

Share Jesus

Finally, like Andrew, we are called to share what we have discovered. Who in your life needs to know about the Lamb of God? Who does God want you to invite to "come and see"? Be ready to tell your story and allow God to work through you; you do not have to be perfect or have all the answers.

That is our job as disciples of Jesus. We do not have to be the Savior—that is His responsibility. Our mission is to point others to Him, to show His light in a world in urgent need of hope, and to allow others to experience the transformation we have found in Him.

I want you to aim to achieve three things this week as you head out today:

Spend some time in wonder at Jesus. Think about who He is and what He has done for you. Ask Him what it would be like to follow Him more intimately right now in your life. Pray for one person you can point to Jesus and encourage to "come and see."

Jesus, the Lamb of God, came to take away the world's sins, including your own sins, brokenness, and struggles. He invites you to walk beside Him and share His hope with others. The question is:

How will you respond?