The Mystery of the Lamb turned King
Text: John 1:29; Matthew 27:27–31
John 1:29 (KJV): “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Matthew 27:27-31 (KJV): “27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. 28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
– John Wesley (Revivalist & Theologian)
I can imagine the excitement with which John announced the ‘discovery’ of Christ Jesus to his audience. He once had a close interaction with the Lamb that would take away the sins of the world when she was just six months in his mother, Elizabeth womb. Elizabeth said, ‘for indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy [Luke 1:44]’. Jesus also, just barely a month old, having been conceived by the power of Holy Ghost by Mary. For John the Baptist, this is what he had lived for, and for the wearied people under the burden of sins at the time, that was the announcement of the moment. John’s introduction was to give hope, for people to behold the Hope, for them to recognize the Lamb that would carry their sins, and the sins of the entire world away. The typology was not lost then, it should not be lost now, especially, when the world is commemorating the sacrifice at the cross at Calvary. The story of God’s only begotten Son who became the Lamb must be told in a loving but sure manner for the world to hear and make meaning out of it.
The mystery of Godhead that Apostle Paul described in 1 Timothy 3:16 is exemplified in the typology of a Lamb. Among all the animals, a lamb is characteristically known for its submission and being easy to direct. So, Jesus who the Bible says thought it not robbery to equate Himself with God, having gone through all the mocking and beating from sinful and corrupt religious leaders, He maintained His absolute surrender to the will of God, even for the soldiers’ turn of humiliation. Christ is the Lamb sacrificed from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). He is the Lamb of God sacrificed to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Through Him, we receive forgiveness of sins and salvation. You reject Him at your peril, but when you accept and believe Him, it is to your advantage and freedom.
Jesus was seen already shedding His blood through the spiky crown placed on His head. It is scientifically proven that the blood of a lamb is toxic to snake’s venom. The blood of a lamb is better at fighting the venomous bite of a serpent. The blood of the Lamb of God (Jesus) is the antivenom for sins’ poison. The venom of sin was passed to humanity through the serpent (Satan) in the Garden of Eden. Through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, there is an antivenom for the fatal bite of the serpent. The sting of death can be expunged, and the victory of the grave can be defeated. The antivenom for your sin is only found in Jesus. He has the power to deliver you from sin and death.
God gave the typology of this in the wilderness when those who were bitten by snake because of their sins were delivered by looking upon the hung serpent (Numbers 21:9). As we celebrate Easter, do not forsake the Lamb that was sacrificed to set you free from sins. You should not only enjoy the festivity but ensure the blood of the Lamb sets you free completely from the venom of sin and its consequences.
As the Lamb, He paid the price for our redemption, human being can be free and live for God. That makes Him the Captain of our souls (Hebrews 2:10) As the Captain, He leads the Church, His, undefeatable army. As the coming King, He will take the rulership of this university by the order of God the father (1 Corinthians 15:24). There is nothing anyone can do stop this because of His willingness to offer Himself as the Lamb.
As we eagerly expect the final enthronement of Christ, thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Have you secured your victory over sin? If not, why not? Delay is dangerous. Do it today! Look to the Lamb of God slain for your redemption and justification. Amen.