In this text, Jesus is referred to differently three times. He is called the “Lamb of God”, “Rabbi”, and the “Messiah”. Why does St. John do this?
Jesus, as the “Lamb of God”, reminds us that he is our Saviour. At Passover, the Israelites sacrificed a lamb and painted the blood on the lintels of the doors so that they may be saved and led out of slavery. In a
similar way, Jesus would be sacrificed, his body and blood received by Christians during Holy Communion to be saved from the slavery of sin and led to the freedom of eternal life. The “Lamb of God”.
As Jesus walks past them, the disciples call him “Rabbi”, meaning teacher. At that time, rabbis had a rich knowledge about God that they were able to teach and pass on to others. Jesus is the ultimate teacher, the highest authority and master. We are blessed beyond
measure to be able to follow him and learn from him.
Andrew speaks of finding “the Messiah”, also known as “the Anointed One” or “Christ”. Jesus is the chosen one, chosen by God to save us and lead us to everlasting life. The Messiah who brings all God’s people to live in communion with him.
The title, not named but inferred, is “friend”. In his person, he displays humility and simplicity. He makes no demands but is welcoming and
engaging. Jesus makes conversation, develops a friendship and seeks an intimate connection with the disciples. He poses questions that make space for reflection, never passing judgement, always accepting them as they are.
Jesus is all of these things to each and every one of us, too. We only need to accept his invitation to follow him and stay with him.
Reflections by Gillian Hugo
