St John is revealing Christ to the people, announcing his arrival and making him known. His goal is that we know Jesus based on love, not just head-knowledge, i.e. stating the things we know about Jesus, like where he was born, the details of his life growing up as a boy, listing the miracles he performed and giving a detailed account of his death. Heart-knowledge is what is important—how did
Jesus feel about people? How did he love and relate to all, including the marginalised? Heart-knowledge allows us to know Jesus from the inside out just as Jesus knows us.
St John is telling us who Jesus is. He is describing the character of Jesus, the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”. God has provided this gift, the one and only Lamb to take away our sins, and this gift is available, always and everywhere, to
all those who trust, love and know him.
St John uses the word “lamb”, which, for me, has connotations of gentleness and innocence. The idea of holding and cuddling a soft, gentle lamb creates an image of Jesus as tender, compassionate and approachable, someone to hold on to and love, and one who will bring comfort and solace.
What does “Lamb of God” mean for and to
you?
How would you describe your knowledge of Jesus?
How could you know Jesus more intimately?
