Animals are often used to describe people. Some are seen as cute and cuddly, like puppies. Others are clever like dolphins, slow and deliberate like sloths, or strong and intimidating like grizzly bears. We even use animal language to describe personality types or leaders. Richard the Lionheart, an English king, was known for bravery. In the 1990s NBA, I remember the appearance of Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, a nickname meant to announce he was going to dominate the league.
So when John the Baptist sees Jesus Christ approaching and says, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,” (John 1:29), it’s a choice. In Scripture Jesus is called a lion as well. But John leads with the name of “the Lamb.”
For Jewish ears, this was an image full of meaning. The lamb belonged at the center of God’s saving work. Lambs were offered for sin. A lamb’s blood . . . . marked the doorposts at Passover so God’s people would be “passed over” and live. Isaiah spoke of the Servant who would be led like a lamb to the slaughter, silent and willing. To call Jesus “the Lamb of God” was to say, “This is how God will save.”
John’s words were powerful enough that his own disciples immediately followed Jesus. Just hearing that he was the Lamb told them everything they needed to know. This Messiah would not conquer by force but by sacrifice. He would not crush sinners but carry their sin away.
We are not looking for a helpless puppy or a violent animal to attack us. We are pointed to the Lamb who willingly gives himself. In him is real power, the power that takes away the sin of the world, including yours.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)