“Lamb of God” is one of the titles given to Jesus in the New Testament by John the Baptist. It refers to Jesus’ role as a sacrificial lamb atoning for the sins of man, harkening back to ancient Jewish Temple sacrifices in which a lamb was slain during the passover (the “Paschal Lamb”), the blood was sprinkled on the altar, and the whole of the lamb was eaten. As we prepare for Holy Week, we’re called to reflect upon Christ as Lamb of God. The link between the Paschal Lamb and Christ is made explicit in 1 Corinthians 5:7. For Paul, Christians are saved by Christ as their true paschal lamb.
The Old Testament also testifies to the earlier practice of sin offerings as a possible means of atonement. Lambs could be used in these offerings (e.g. Leviticus 4:32-34 and 5:6), and this link is strongly suggested by John 1:29 and 1 Peter 1:19. Just as in Judaism sins could be forgiven through the offering and the pouring out of the blood of an “unblemished” lamb, so Christians are freed from sin by the blood of Jesus, the unblemished Lamb of God.
As we approach the days of the Passion of Christ, we are also reminded that Jesus is the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, who remains silent “like a lamb led to the slaughter” (53:7) and “gives his life as an offering for sin” (53:10). Acts 8:32 specifically cites Isaiah, and strengthens the idea of Jesus as a sin offering. And don’t forget that the offering of Mass is the Sacrifice of Christ. Remember to “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Happy are those who are called to His Supper. And what is our response? “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.”
