The Ministry of Jesus Christ: Lamb of God

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John bore witness, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God." - John 1:29-34

Saint John the Baptist, seeing our Lord approaching, cries aloud: "Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him Who takes away the sins of the world."

The name by which Saint John first greeted Jesus was that of the Lamb of God. All names given in Scripture by Divine inspiration are exactly descriptive of those on whom they are conferred. Hence we learn that the prominent feature in our Lord's character is the gentleness, meekness, simplicity, guilelessness of the lamb. This is what made Him so attractive. His sweetness drew all to Him. He is just the same now. In Heaven He is still the Lamb; still gentle and loving as ever. With that confidence, then, I ought to approach Him and tell Him all my troubles.

He is not only the Lamb, but the Lamb of God. That winning gentleness and sweetness of His is not merely natural. It is the Divine charity manifesting itself in the Son of God. This must be the sweetness and gentleness at which we must aim. God will give it to all of us if we persevere in seeking it. Even though by nature harsh, God can make us gentle and meek.

What was the office of the Lamb of God, the work He was sent to do? Saint John tells us that it was to take away the sins of the world. Meekness has a wonderful power - "the meek shall possess the land." Meekness takes away sin. To bear reproaches meekly is one of the best means of expiating our own sins and the sins of others, and obtaining for sinners the grace of repentance. Meekness obtains peace for our souls. Alas! how little there is in me of the meekness and gentleness of the Lamb of God!

- taken from The Ministry of Jesus Christ: Short Meditations on the Public Life of Our Lord, by Father Richard Frederick Clarke, SJ