The exact expression “lamb of God” does not appear in the Old Testament, however, the idea and imagery behind that title, especially when read through the lens of the New Testament, is deeply rooted in several Old Testament sacrificial themes. The primary image is that of the Passover lamb described in the Book of Exodus. In Exodus 12 each family is to take “a lamb, one for each household” (v.3). The lamb must be “a year-old male and without blemish” (v.5). Its blood is placed on the doorposts so that the Angel of Death passes over the house (v.13). The Passover lamb is the lamb appointed by God for Israel’s deliverance; in this way it is the “Lamb of God.” Another way to describe this imagery is a divinely appointed lamb whose blood saves God’s people from death. The Baptist’s use of the phrase anticipates Jesus’ death on the Cross which saves God’s people from something far worse than death.

Exodus 29 and Numbers 28 point to a daily morning and evening offering of lambs understood as offerings to the LORD, commanded by Him as an ongoing and atoning sacrifice on behalf of God’s people. Again, although not titled “Lamb of God,” the imagery is clear when seen through NT lenses.

The reference with the most theologically charged background comes from Isaiah 53 and is associated with Lent and Good Friday. “Like a lamb led to slaughter, or a sheep silent before shearers, he did not open his mouth.” Isaiah 53 describes the Suffering Servant whose life becomes an offering for sin as “The LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all” (v.6) and “He shall take away the sins of many” (v.12). This lamb is not literally a sacrificial animal but a figure of a person who fulfills the role of a sacrificial lamb given by God for sin.

In Genesis 22 we read the account of the binding of Isaac the son of Abraham. The father tells his son: “God himself will provide the sheep for the burnt offering.” (v.8) And indeed, God provides the lamb for the offering that will redeem all humanity. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

When the Baptist proclaims “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” – there is a whole story of promise, covenant, and redemption that is being announced. It is time to prepare.

Image credit: Saint John the Baptist Preaching to the Masses in the Wilderness | Pieter Brueghel the Younger | Galerie de Jonckheere, Paris | Wikimedia Commons, PD-US