At places in the New Testament, Jesus is called the Lamb of God. What is the meaning of this title?
At the beginning of the Gospel of John, John the Baptist, when seeing Jesus approach, proclaims, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1: 29b ESV) John proclaims this title twice. The Greek word used for lamb is αμνος.
Jesus stood before Pilate on the day of the Preparation for Passover. A strong Passover association is found where after the death of Jesus, the soldiers didn’t break His leg bones; because, He was already dead. The prophecy is fulfilled, “Not one of his bones will be broken,” which is found in Exodus where God instructs the people not to break the bones of the Passover lamb (John 19: 36 ESV). In the account of Jesus’ final days and death, Passover is mentioned several times including in John 19: 14 where Jesus is delivered over to be crucified. It is clear that Jesus is identified with the Passover as He is in Paul, “For, Christ, our Passover lamb has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival . . .” (I Corinthians 5: 7b-8a ESV)
The Passover is not the only time lambs are sacrificed. We find instructions to sacrifice a lamb without blemish as an offering in Leviticus. Peter makes a reference to this, “. . . knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things like silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” (I Peter 1: 19 ESV)
The texts in John, though, point to an association of the sacrifice of a lamb at Passover. The lamb represents deliverance from the slavery of sin and the freedom that comes from following Christ as the people of Israel were freed from slavery in Egypt.
In Acts Philip explains to the Ethiopian that Christ is the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 53, “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.” (Acts 8: 32 ESV) In Isaiah it is told that our iniquities were laid upon this suffering servant.
Now we come to Revelation where the Lamb is mentioned most often in the New Testament. The word for lamb used in Revelation is αρνιον (diminutive of αρην). In Revelation the lamb is worthy and powerful. In chapter 5 the seer describes the one on the throne (God) holding a scroll in His right hand. An angel poses the question (rhetorical). “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” (Revelation 5: 2 ESV) No one was worthy so all voices in heaven were silent, causing John to weep. Then, One of the twenty-four elders around the throne said, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David , has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” (Revelation 5: 5 ESV) The prophet describes the scene of the Lamb with seven eyes and seven horns (not your ordinary lamb) taking the scroll. The heavenly host break into song. The seven eyes refer to Christ’s omniscience. He is worshipped, thus indicating that He is God.
The lamb described in Revelation is strong and mighty though the Greek word means ‘little lamb.’ The Lamb is the One who conquers–the same Lamb who was slain. In the end time at the judgment, the Lamb will send forth the signs of that time and judge the world. The heavenly host sing:
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom
and might and honor and glory and blessing! (Revelation 5: 9-10 ESV)
These words and others in Revelation are included in an alternate hymn of praise (Dignus est Agnus, meaning Worthy is Christ) to the Gloria in excelsis. This canticle is found near the beginning of the service of Holy Communion.
Wherever the Lamb is mentioned in Revelation, He is described as a mighty one and conqueror
. When He opens the seals, He releases judgment upon the earth. The cross is past, the victory has been won, though we are reminded that His death is a ransom for many. The descriptions and hymns are a testimony to the power and deity of the Lamb. He is not a creature.
The saints, who have witnessed to Christ and died for it, have conquered the Accuser (devil) by the blood of the Lamb. The faithful participate in the victory of Christ, who is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those who are with the Lamb are chosen and faithful. With the Lamb’s victory comes the marriage feast in the heavenly kingdom where He will sit down with those who are saved. The Bride, that is, the faithful who dwell in the heavenly Jerusalem, will join in a celebration of the defeat of all evil and reign forever.
Images and metaphors are used in abundance in Revelation. Though the Lamb and God are distinguished one from the other, the Lamb is not subordinate to God but is worshipped. In the development of doctrine the persons of the Trinity are explained as Three in One. There are not two or three gods, but One.
In Revelation we see:
- The importance and risk of witness.
- Metaphors describing heaven.
- The Lamb, who shed His blood, as victorious and powerful.
- The consummation of all things.
- The goal and final cause of Christianity.
In our witness we tell people the Good News that Christ will be victorious and will bring His people into the Kingdom. Evil will not win! Human utopias will not succeed; but, God will. It brings joy to the heart of those who seek God.
Michael G. Tavella
November 18, 2024
