Names of Jesus Series: Episode 20 Jesus the Lamb of God

Hello, my walking friend! As you get going with your walk, take a second right now to thank Jesus for this opportunity – the chance to move, breathe, and take a few minutes from your busy life to exercise your body and feed your soul. Now let’s set our hearts and minds to focus on Jesus. 

Today is the 20^th episode in the names of Jesus series. Every name of Jesus is an opportunity to learn more about him and draw closer to him. Since you are listening now, I know you are reaping the blessings that come from meditating on the names of Jesus. Today we are reflecting on Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Our verse to meditate on today is John 1:29 NIV:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

It is John the Baptist who first gives us this name for Jesus. When John made this proclamation, his mainly Jewish audience would have immediately understood what a lamb of God was about. How many times had they taken a most precious, sweet, innocent, unblemished lamb from their own flock and given it to the priest as atonement for their sins? But to say this about a man? 

I can imagine how confusing this must have been! Was their centuries-old traditions and ways of doing things really going to change? How could they be sure this Lamb of God could really atone for their sins? In the last episode of this series, we meditated on Jesus the Priest and we considered the fact that when Jesus came he took over the priesthood forever. No more need for animal sacrifices because he became, for us, the precious Lamb of God. So, yes, things did change. And, praise Jesus, the Lamb of God, that through him the old life is gone and a new life has begun. 

Take a little time now to meditate on John 1:29:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? 

Here’s what Jesus revealed to me as I studied and meditated on this verse:

When Jesus died on the cross, he took away the sins of the entire world. But, for a second, don’t think about the entire world – think about yourself. The blood of Jesus took away your sins on the cross. He is the perfect, precious, innocent Lamb of God who died a cruel death so that you could live with him for eternity. He did it willingly. No, he was more than willing. He longed to be the sacrifice for you because he loves you that much. It’s not that it was easy for him – far from it. It was so devastating that he sweat blood just thinking about it. But when he looks at you, yes, you, he would do it all over again. That is how much he loves you. Jesus wants you to experience life cleansed of unrighteousness. He wants you to know what pure forgiveness and love feels like. Because when you do, that same love and forgiveness will flow out of your gratitude. Jesus is the innocent, perfect, holy Lamb of God, sacrificed for you so that you could be with him together forever. 

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus, the Lamb of God, and what that means to us. 

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

Your love for me is mind-boggling! When I think of what you did to rescue me and to redeem me from my sinfulness, it fills my heart with both gratitude and sadness. It hurts me to think that my sins put you on the cross. But I know that there is nothing I can do on my own to redeem myself. How could I, a sinful human being, ever be worthy enough to make up for all the wrong I have done? Only you are worthy, Jesus. Only you can rescue me from the pit. And so, gratitude fills me and joy replaces my sadness. Help me to always remember what you did for me, Jesus, Lamb of God. Let me never forget how great your love is for me, that even while I was still a sinner, you died for me. Please empower me to live a life of love. Thank you, Jesus, for walking with me always. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:

How does it make you feel to think of Jesus nailed on the cross for your sins? Take a little time to meditate on that.

Does knowing that Jesus is the Lamb of God who took away your sins make you want to live your life differently? If so, in what ways? Consider your answer now.

What words come to mind when you consider that the precious blood of Jesus has redeemed you? Think of those words now.

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time John 1:29:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Well, you did it! 10 minutes of walking! 10 minutes of meditating on Jesus, the Lamb of God. Thank you for taking the time to walk with me, my friend. But more importantly, you spent some precious time with Jesus! 

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkwithJesusDevotional.com. The October edition focuses on the names of Jesus and is a part of this series. You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes. 

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another name of Jesus – Jesus the Lion of Judah. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.