Tuesday, February 5, 2008
John 8:46a "Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?"
THE NAMES OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR: INNOCENT LAMB OF GOD
What is the picture that comes into our minds when this name (Lamb of God) is used? There is real variety here. For Old Testament students, the lamb is a symbol of meekness, lowliness, gentleness, and innocence. It is the picture of a life that did not cause harm to anyone but was often hurt by others. In fulfilling this picture Jesus said: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29). The apostle Paul in his second epistle to the Corinthians mentions this: "By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you" (2 Corinthians 10:1). When Jesus said to the Jews toward the end of His ministry: "Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?" (John 8:46) He was indicating His own purity and innocence, the innocence of the Lamb of God.
The name also implies dependence, for the lamb was dependent on the shepherd and often had to be carried by the shepherd. The lamb had complete trust in the shepherd. Jesus had this kind of relationship with His heavenly Father. "I and My Father are one" (John 10:30). "The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing" (John 5:19).
