The Lamb of God | Lent Devotional Day 11

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
February 28, 2026
Written by Melissa Ross

The Lamb of God

Scripture:  

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.”
(John 1:29-34)

Reflection:

I am reading a book where the main character keeps taking on tasks for others and I want to caution: “Stop!  You can’t accomplish this on your own. Focus on the things you need to do.”

But I realize that too often I am in this same position.  

In devotional reflections this week, Pastor Charity has explored how Jesus’ death served as a substitute sacrifice for us.  When I think of having Jesus step into my place and receive punishment for my failures, my sins, I want to call out “Stop! I need to take this on, not you.”

When John the Baptist first saw Jesus, he announced, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” John 1:29  As a kid, these words puzzled me; Jesus was a person, John’s cousin, why did John call Jesus the Lamb of God?

John the Baptist’s proclamation had a different meaning to this audience.  To Jews, lambs had a role as substitute sacrifices in their faith practices, particularly in the Passover (Exodus 12) and the annual Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).  Isaiah wrote a powerful prophecy that connects the Messiah to this sacrificial lamb.  John was alerting others that the Messiah, the Lamb of God was present.  With this announcement, Jewish people could be prepared to see how Jesus would serve as the Lamb of God, the one who would take on punishment for the sin of others.

I find a tension in this role of Jesus as the Lamb of God.  I vacillate between feeling wholly unworthy of Jesus’ sacrifice. Or I feel like I take Jesus’s incredible sacrifice for granted.  
In my ideal world, I wish God would allow me to make a way for me to earn this right relationship, but as I read God’s words in the Bible it is clear this option is not available.  So for me this period of Lent is a time to intentionally lean into this tension as I acknowledge Jesus as “the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  (John 10:11).  

Prayer:

Lord, help me to accept Jesus’ generous offer.  Make me aware of this sacrifice each day and express my faith in worship.  Transform my heart and mind to accept and reflect your gracious love.  In the spirit of reconciliation, move me to extend reconciliation to others.  May it be so, amen.

Practice (small step):

Remember the “repair action” suggested in yesterday’s devotion.  After reflecting on these options, consider which action you feel prompted to take:

• Send an apology (short, specific, no excuses).
• Make a reconciliation plan.
• Ask, “How did that land on you?”
• Begin a hard conversation with a gentle opening.

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