Posted on 09/12/2022 5:14:11 AM PDT by metmom
“The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He on behalf of whom I said, “After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me”’” (John 1:29–30).
On the day after he spoke to the delegation, John “saw Jesus coming to him.” In keeping with his role as a herald, John immediately called the crowd’s attention to Him, exclaiming “Behold, the Lamb of God.”
The concept of a sacrificial Lamb was a familiar one to the Jewish people. All through Israel’s history, God had revealed clearly that sin and separation from Him could be removed only by blood sacrifices (cf. Lev. 17:11). They were also aware that Isaiah’s prophecy likened Messiah to “a lamb that is led to slaughter” (Isa. 53:7). Though Israel sought a Messiah who would be a prophet, king, and conqueror, God had to send them a Lamb. And He did.
The title “Lamb of God” foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross for “the sin of the world.” With that brief statement John made it clear that the Messiah had come to deal with sin. The Old Testament is filled with the reality that the problem is sin—a problem at the heart of every person (Jer. 17:9). All men are sinful and incapable of changing the future or the present, or of repaying God for the sins of the past.
So who is the Lamb of God? He is Jesus, the only One who has the remedy to your sin problem.
Ask Yourself
We know that our sin, though dealt with ultimately and eternally, continues to be a problem for us to face and address. Are you surprised at the strength and tenacity it still wields within you? How do you go about quieting its ferocious appetite and considering yourself dead to it (See Rom. 6:11)?
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
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Studying God’s Word ping
Your post today has a really good question for believers:
“We know that our sin, though dealt with ultimately and eternally, continues to be a problem for us to face and address. Are you surprised at the strength and tenacity it still wields within you? How do you go about quieting its ferocious appetite and considering yourself dead to it (See Rom. 6:11)?”
I can’t say I’m surprised at sins strength in me. I CAN say, however, that every day God has been gracious enough to help me walk more in the Spirit than in the flesh. I’m at a point now where the struggle is a lot more tame and easier than when I began my walk with Our Lord. I didn’t do it; He gave me the strength to do it.
It’s good that you are experiencing that kind of victory.
Thank you, Metmom.
I ain’t quite there yet, but I have made some mileage.
We don’t get there until we die or Jesus returns.
Amen, Sister! He WILL accomplish that purification in us at the end!
Can you imagine being in John the Baptist’s audience at the moment Jesus approached? Hearing this heralding and seeing The Christ approach? Just amazing!
I CAN say, however, that every day God has been gracious enough to help me walk more in the Spirit than in the flesh. I’m at a point now where the struggle is a lot more tame and easier than when I began my walk with Our Lord. I didn’t do it; He gave me the strength to do it.
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AMEN!
To God be the glory!
May He bless you today, ViLaLuz.
Realize that Christ suffered for all sin on the cross and your selfish indulgence adds to his pain,
Or
One can lay that sin down at the Cross and
Imagine Jesus smile as a close Friend.
Excellent, Big Red.
The more we give to Him, the more like Him we become.
I’ll admit that I’ve got a loooooong way to go, but I’m so grateful to Him that I’m overwhelmed with love for Him at times. And that wasn’t always the case. He had to provide even the love I have for Him.
I love Him so much!
Speaking eternally.
Luke 1:26-27
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Say WHAT, John?
That’s your cousin - Jesus!
Thank you, Sister. You, too.
LOL! Surprise!!!
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