The Lamb of God: The Sacrifice That Changes How We Live

Every December I notice how easily I get swept up in the swirl of Christmas—lists, events, the low-grade buzz of hurry. And then, the intentionality of Advent pulls me back to the heart of it all: Jesus. But not just Jesus in a manger. Jesus as the Lamb of God.

It’s one of the most raw and surprising titles in the New Testament. John the Baptist is the first to say it out loud: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” It’s an invitation to do exactly what he’s doing—look again.

See Jesus not only as teacher or healer or prophet or moral leader, but as the One who steps into our brokenness and carries what we cannot carry.

Then the story unfolds. In Acts and the letters of Paul and Peter, Jesus the Lamb becomes the centre of the good news: the One who rescues, redeems, restores. The sacrifices Israel once offered year after year now find their fulfilment in Him. The Lamb becomes the way home.

And in Revelation, the title reaches its completion. The Lamb is on the throne. The Lamb receives worship. The Lamb is our shepherd. It’s breathtaking—gentleness and power, humility and victory, holiness and love, woven together in one person.

But here’s what strikes me most: every time the New Testament speaks of Jesus as the Lamb, it’s not just describing something He did. It’s describing who He is—the heart of God revealed. The God who gives Himself. The God who sacrifices for humanity. The God who absorbs the worst of us to give us the best of Him. The God who wins by laying down His life.

And perhaps that’s why this matters for us, especially in this season. Because if the Lamb is at the centre of the story, then self-giving love is at the centre of reality. Power looks different. Hope looks different. Our lives can look different.

So this Advent, I’m asking myself:
Where do I need to see the Lamb again?
Where do I need His gentleness? His courage? His grace?
Where am I being invited to reflect His self-giving love?

Maybe you’re sitting with those questions too.

The Lamb of God isn’t just an image from ancient liturgy. He’s the One who meets us right here—in our weariness, our longing, our joy, our need—and leads us into life.