The Lamb of God

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon, son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter). John 1:35-42

The image of the Lamb of God presents, not a warrior going into battle, but a life lived for sacrifice. Lambs give us soft wool and good food and have often prized as offerings and gifts. The one we call Lord and Savior came not as a conqueror but as a teacher. He lived with the people, brought them to his home and gave them names and lives with meaning. God comes among us not to conquer but to reveal love and healing hidden in our broken world. 

Marvelous Creator, you prize open hearts

you offered your Son a sacrifice for all

you do not stand with the wealthy and powerful

but with the gentle, the mild and the meek.

We live in embattled and dangerous times

and your followers can be drawn away

seduced by glitter, glamour and brawn

when you are with the poor and the alien.

Bring us back and show us where you dwell

so we might be strengthened to serve here

to seek you in the overlooked hidden places

and to learn your love again as we offer ourselves. Amen.