Jesus Christ is referred to as the “Lamb of God”. This symbol points to Christ being a perfect sacrifice for sin. It also conveys his meekness and his willingness to submit to suffering and death.
The imagery of the lamb
An image of innocence and attraction
Isaiah 11:6 See also Leviticus 23:12; 2 Samuel 12:3
The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them.
An image of submissiveness and vulnerability
Jeremiah 11:19 See also Isaiah 40:11; Luke 10:3; John 21:15
For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.”
An image of quiet suffering
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
An image of sacrifice
Exodus 29:38 “each day” here refers to the seven-day period of the consecration of priests. See also Exodus 12:27; Leviticus 3:7, Leviticus 4:32, Leviticus 14:13; Ezekiel 46:13; Mark 14:12 parallel Luke 22:7
This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar, each day: two lambs that are a year old.
Jesus Christ is likened to a lamb
John 1:36 See also John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:6
When he saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
The symbolism of the lamb applies to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is innocent and draws people to himself
Luke 23:41 See also John 12:32; Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22; Isaiah 53:9
We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Jesus Christ was submissive and vulnerable
Matthew 26:38–39 parallels Mark 14:35–36, Luke 22:41–42 See also John 3:27; 1 Corinthians 1:27; Philippians 2:7–8; Hebrews 4:15
Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”
Jesus Christ suffered quietly
Matthew 27:28–31 parallel Mark 15:17–20 See also Matthew 26:62–63 parallel Mark 14:60–61; Matthew 27:12–14 parallel Mark 15:3–5; Luke 23:8–11; John 19:2–3; Acts 8:32–35; Isaiah 53:7–8; 1 Peter 2:23
They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand, knelt down before Him, and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly. After they had mocked Him, they removed the robe and put His own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him away to crucify Him.
Jesus Christ is seen as a sacrifice
1 Peter 1:18–19 See also Genesis 22:8; Exodus 13:13; Isaiah 53:4–6, Isaiah 53:10–11; John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Revelation 12:11, Revelation 13:8
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.
Jesus Christ as the glorious Lamb in the book of Revelation
The Lamb is worthy
Revelation 5:8–12 See also Revelation 7:9–10, Revelation 15:3
When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels encircling the throne, and the living creatures and the elders. And their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
The Lamb is upon the throne
Revelation 17:14 See also Revelation 5:6, Revelation 7:17, Revelation 22:1–3
They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”
The Lamb will execute judgment
Revelation 6:16 See also Revelation 6:1–3, Revelation 14:10
And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.
The Lamb is the bridegroom of the church
Revelation 19:7–9 See also Revelation 21:9
Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. She was given clothing of fine linen, bright and pure.” For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints. Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.