THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD

II SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - John 1:29-34

In this Sunday’s gospel, we are presented with John the Baptist’s witness to Jesus Christ. First of all, we must admire John’s sincerity and truthfulness: “I did not know him myself”. However, he was well aware that he was given the mission to reveal Him. His ministry had no other purpose but to lead people to Jesus. In a way, John should submit to Jesus because, despite coming after him, he existed before him. John recognises Jesus' precedence, as the one who was before time.

Then, we may ask ourselves how was he able to recognise Jesus as the one who was before him? God gave him a clear sign: a dove comes down and hovers over its nest. so the Spirit came down on him from heaven and rested on him. It reminds us of the Spirit at the beginning of creation: “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Gn 1:2). Jesus comes to be the new Adam, and the Spirit rests on him. After Jesus’ baptism, “a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Mt 3:17) That’s why the Holy Spirit has his abode in Jesus. And John bears witness to Jesus saying: “Yes, I have seen and I am the witness that he is the Chosen One of God” or “this is the Son of God.” (ESV, Jn 1:34).

Having recognised Jesus as the Chosen One of God, that is as the Messiah, he announces  the role that Jesus is going to fulfil: 

“Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.”

We may be puzzled by such a title, needing explanation. What does it mean to call Jesus the Lamb of God?

It comes immediately to mind the Passover lamb, whose blood was put on the lintel of the houses as a sign of belonging to the people of God whom God sets free from slavery in Egypt. Jesus is the true lamb, whose blood is shed for us to be reconciled with God.

The lamb brings to mind as well the Servant of Yahweh. Indeed, he is “like a lamb that is led to the slaughter” and keeps silent (Is 53:7). The Servant of Yahweh accepts his suffering and death for the sake of the people:

“upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.” (Is 53:5)

“he was cut off out of the land of the living,

stricken for the transgression of my people” (Is 53:8).

Finally, the title “Lamb” is given to Christ in the book of revelation. He alone was found worthy of reading the scroll of the mysterious plans of God and thousands upon thousands sang in his praise:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

and honour and glory and blessing!” (Rev 5:12)

Through his blood, the Lamb takes away the sin of the world and prepares for himself a bride - the people of God -  

“and his Bride has made herself ready;

it was granted her to clothe herself

with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.” (Rev 19:7-8)

The kings of the earth who follow the beast will make war on the Lamb and his followers, but the Lamb will defeat him:

… “and the Lamb will conquer them, 

for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, 

and those with him are called 

and chosen and faithful.” (Rev 17:14).