John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
He is the one of whom I said,
‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’
I did not know him,
but the reason why I came baptizing with water
was that he might be made known to Israel.”
John testified further, saying,
“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky
and remain upon him.
I did not know him,
but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,
‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain,
he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
Lectio (Reading)
Read the passage twice and get a sense of what it is saying. Pay attention to what strikes you.Meditatio (Reflecting)
Slowly read the passage again, pausing on words or phrases that stands out. Take time to consider the meaning. particularly in your life.John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
Oratio (Responding)
Read the passage again, slowly. Consider how God has spoken to you and respond back to Him. You may want to consider how this passage is asking you to act differently.The lamb of god. What a thing to say. We moderns have a tendency to gloss over this and miss how significant it is. We today tend to think that this is a reference to Jesus’ nature, meek, and peacful. And while that is true…, There is also a much more meaningful reason as well.
No first century jew did not know what lambs were used for…, the passover sacrafice. Every jewish man was supposed to raise lambs, pick the very best one, and every year bring it to the temple for the passover sacrafice. And what was the passover sacrifice done for? It was for the forgiveness of sins of him and his family.
But John calls Jesus the Lamb of god, who takes away the sins of the world. This reference can mean only one thing that Jesus is the lamb that God himself is offering for the forgiveness of all sins for all of the world. But it is also a direct reference to prophecy of the messiah. Jesus is the messiah, but He is also the God of the universe, the one promised for centuries to the jews.
But even more incredbly, for John to say such a thing out loud for all to hear was not only considered blasphemy by the jews, but it was an offense against the romans, that required execution as the punishment. That is of course, Unless Jesus really is God. We today, know that to be true, but many at this time did not. and so the shock factor on John’s statement cannot be understated.
Contemplatio (Contemplating)
Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.Resolutio (Resolving)
Make a resolution that will improve your life, your relationships, or your faith. Make it small and attainable, and do it.Oh lord, help me today to recognize your greatness and your kingship. and to give you the proper and due honer required. amen.