6.2 A New Understanding of the Messiah
“The Lamb of God” – An Unexpected Image of the Messiah

Read John 1:32–36. What does John the Baptist say about Jesus that people did not expect from the long-awaited Messiah?

John the Baptist introduces a revolutionary understanding of the Messiah to the Jewish world of His time. Instead of fulfilling the expectations of a powerful, political deliverer, John proclaims Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” This designation broke with the common notion of a Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and politically liberate Israel. Instead, “the Lamb of God” points to Jesus’ role as a sacrificial offering bearing the sins of the world—a concept that was initially foreign and difficult for many to accept.

By choosing the image of the “Lamb,” John refers to the Old Testament idea of the sacrificial lamb offered for the forgiveness of sins, particularly in the prophecy of Isaiah (“like a lamb led to the slaughter,” Isaiah 53:7). This new understanding of the Messiah as a redeemer through suffering and sacrifice called people to radically rethink their perspective. Instead of military might, God’s love and dedication were at the center of the divine plan.

John recognized Jesus as the Messiah through divine revelation. God gave John a sign—the Spirit descended on Jesus and remained with Him. This spiritual insight shows that true understanding of Jesus as the Christ does not arise from political or cultural expectations but solely through God’s revelation and wisdom, which touches our hearts.

This new understanding of the Messiah invites us to view our faith beyond worldly expectations and to comprehend the path of redemption through humility and sacrifice. It challenges us to trust God wholeheartedly and to see the Kingdom of God not as power or dominion over others but as an invitation to love, forgiveness, and dedication, which Jesus exemplified through His life and death.

How could we know the truth about Jesus as our sacrificial offering if it were not revealed to us? Why is it therefore very important to know the Bible and understand what it teaches about Jesus?

The truth about Jesus as our sacrificial offering—the “Lamb of God” who bears the sins of the world—is a spiritual revelation that can only be understood through divine revelation. Without this revelation, it would be nearly impossible for us to fully grasp the depth and purpose of Jesus’ life and death. The Bible is the primary source of this revelation, providing us with the knowledge of who Jesus truly is and what His role means for our redemption.

Here are some reasons why studying the Bible and understanding its teachings about Jesus are crucial:

1. The Bible Reveals God’s Plan of Redemption Scripture unfolds God’s plan of salvation, culminating in Jesus Christ. From the prophecies in the Old Testament to their fulfillment in the New Testament, we see a coherent picture that shows why Jesus had to come, what His sacrifice means, and how we can partake in it. Without this knowledge, we would miss the core of the Christian faith.

2. Deeper Understanding of the Sacrificial Offering In the Bible, we learn that Jesus died as a sacrificial offering for our sins. This goes beyond human logic and must be understood spiritually. By reading the Bible, we understand that Jesus’ death and resurrection took the punishment for our sins and paved the way for us to God. This faith brings us comfort and hope, enabling us to live in freedom and forgiveness.

3. Knowledge of God’s Love The Bible shows us that Jesus’ sacrifice is the highest expression of God’s love: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). Without Scripture, we could hardly comprehend the depth and radicalness of this love. It shows us that God’s love is unmerited and unconditional and that He invites us into a personal relationship with Him through Jesus.

4. The Bible Leads Us to Faith and Discipleship According to Romans 10:17, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Only through the Bible do we learn what Jesus taught, how He lived, and what He expects from His followers. By knowing His life and words, we are strengthened in our faith and inspired to walk in His footsteps.

5. Protection from Misunderstandings and Deviations The Bible helps us gain a clear and correct picture of Jesus and His mission. Without it, we could easily follow a purely human or cultural understanding of the Messiah that misrepresents Jesus’ true nature and work. It protects us from shaping an image of Jesus that aligns with our own ideas instead of God’s truth.

6. Divine Revelation and Personal Relationship Scripture is more than a historical book; it is alive and works through the Holy Spirit in our hearts. When we read the Bible, God invites us to personally know Jesus and experience His presence. This is the foundation of a vibrant, trusting relationship with Him that helps us grow in faith.

The Bible is our key to understanding the depth of Jesus’ redemption and the gift of forgiveness. It enables us to not only understand the truth about Jesus but also to take it into our hearts. By studying God’s Word, we recognize how much God loves us and are strengthened to live in that love and share it with others.

The connection of this spiritual truth with our daily lives and faith lies in the changed perspective we gain by understanding Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” Here are concrete ways this revelation can influence our daily living and faith:

1. Humility and Dedication as Core Values Understanding that Jesus came to dedicate Himself and not to triumph politically teaches us the power of humility and dedication. This attitude can help us in everyday life to avoid seeking power or recognition and instead approach others with love. Instead of putting ourselves in the spotlight, we can ask how we can reflect God’s love in the small things of life.

2. A Life of Forgiveness and Acceptance Jesus’ sacrifice shows us that we are loved and accepted unconditionally, giving us the freedom to also forgive others. This perspective can transform our interpersonal relationships: when we are willing to forgive misunderstandings or mistakes and accept people in their imperfections, we live out the love Jesus demonstrated through His sacrifice.

3. A New Standard for Success and Fulfillment Instead of measuring success by material possessions or worldly status, we find our goal in following God’s plan and spreading His love. This attitude changes how we view careers, goals, and achievements. Daily life gains new depth when we focus on doing good and being a blessing to others.

4. Unwavering Faith Despite Worldly Expectations John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God, even though this went against the common expectations of a powerful, political Messiah. In our faith life, this reminds us not to succumb to the pressures of the world but to trust in God and His Word. When facing decisions in daily life, we can orient ourselves by this revelation and ask how we can act in a way that is humble and aligned with God’s love.

5. Faith as a Daily Relationship Jesus as the “Lamb of God” reminds us that faith is not just knowledge or tradition but a living, personal relationship with God. This understanding fosters a daily practice of prayer and Bible study to experience God’s love and be guided by His Spirit. When we consciously take time for our relationship with God, we experience how He strengthens and leads us in daily life.

6. Trust in God’s Plan and Wisdom Just as John the Baptist recognized Jesus’ true identity through divine revelation, we learn to trust God’s plan in our lives, even when we do not fully understand it. This can help us in difficult situations in daily life to rely on God’s wisdom and patiently wait for His guidance instead of seeking quick solutions ourselves.

Knowing Jesus as the Lamb of God changes our view of our lives and faith. This realization invites us to make visible the love, forgiveness, and sacrifice that Jesus exemplified in our daily lives, thus becoming authentic testimonies for God’s Kingdom.

True strength often lies in the ability to let go and dedicate oneself to something greater.

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