In John chapter 1 starting in verse 29, we read, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ³¹ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

³² Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. ³³ And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

³⁵ The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. ³⁶ When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” ³⁷ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.”

What does it mean that Jesus is the Lamb of God?

In the Old Testament, the Jewish people would sacrifice animals to God for forgiveness of sins. The lambs that were offered to God were to be spotless. In other words, they were not to be lame or the weakest of the flock. The offering to God was to be the best that could be offered.

Animals were sacrificed because without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22 states, “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” God needed a perfect, sinless offering to shed their blood for the forgiveness of sin once and for all. With the animal sacrifices, their blood could not cover the sins of the people permanently. The people would sin, offer a lamb, and then when they sinned again, they would need to make another sacrifice.

Jesus was sinless, he was the spotless lamb that the people crucified. His blood poured out, just like the Old Testament sacrifices except that He offered His body freely. Jesus also rose from the dead after He offered His blood to cleanse people of their sins. He returned to heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus returned to heaven because He had completed the sacrifice, once and for all. No more blood needs to be spilled; Jesus poured His out and offers everyone forgiveness of their sins – forever. All you have to do is believe in Jesus and you will join Him in heaven when you die.

Let’s pray. Thank You for loving us, exactly as we are. Help us to be an example of Your love to everyone we encounter. Lord, help us to grow in You each day. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

We see in John 21, after Peter had denied Jesus three times, that Jesus shows up and cooks breakfast.  In verse 15, we read, “After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

¹⁶ Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

¹⁷ A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”

 “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” ¹⁹ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

In this conversation between Jesus and Peter, Jesus is forgiving Peter for the three times that Peter denied Him. Jesus is also preparing Peter to be the rock that the church will be built upon.

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18.

Building requires investment. Peter will have to give of himself, his time and forsake his desires. Living for Jesus means to put aside what you want and prioritize what Jesus wants. He wants us to feed His sheep, invest in the flock by giving of your time and talents. Peter ultimately gave his life for his belief in Jesus. He was feeding the sheep of Jesus right up until his death.

Let’s pray. Thank You for loving us, exactly as we are. Help us to be an example of Your love to everyone we encounter. Lord, help us to grow in You each day. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.