As a child I was taught the words of John the Baptist, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world…” I would repeat these words in rote memory, but I didn’t understand what it meant. It wasn’t until I was 33 years old, while reading the book of Hebrews and learning about the sacrificial system, that the truth of those words pierced my heart. My mind was opened to understand and embrace the Gospel, and it brought me to my knees in worship before the living God.
The sacrificial system formally began during the time of Moses when God gave him the Ten Commandments, instructions to build the Tabernacle, and the Levitical Priesthood duties. These detailed which animals were to be sacrificed and for what purposes. Among these, the lamb stood out, symbolizing innocence and purity.
One of the most significant moments in Israel’s history involved the sacrifice of a lamb: the Passover. God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts of their homes. This act of obedience protected them from the plague that struck Egypt, sparing their firstborn and signifying their trust in God.
The lamb was also sacrificed for:
- Daily burnt offering in the morning and evening
- The sin offering when individuals wanted atonement for unintentional sins
- The peace offering which symbolized thanksgiving or fellowship with God
Raising lambs specifically for Temple sacrifices required shepherds who ensured the animals were without blemish and worthy of offering. In biblical times, shepherds were often teenagers or young adults, much like David.
For approximately 1,200 to 1,400 years, atonement for sin was achieved through these rituals and sacrifices. Then, one night, everything changed. An angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem, proclaiming:
“Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
God sent His message to shepherds—those tasked with inspecting and caring for sacrificial lambs—announcing that their search for the perfect lamb was over. God Himself had provided the Lamb who would take away the sins of the world.
Jesus Christ IS the LAMB OF GOD.
The sacrificial system may seem foreign to us in modern times because we no longer make animal sacrifices for sin. It’s a concept that can feel difficult to fully grasp. Yet, this was God’s command in the Old Testament—to offer sacrifices as atonement for sin. These sacrifices served as a vivid reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for a substitute to bear its penalty.
God’s Word tells us, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin” (Hebrews 9:22). This truth points us to the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system: Jesus Christ. His blood was shed on the cross to provide complete and eternal forgiveness for all who believe.
It is through the blood of Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, that we are forgiven and reconciled to God. What the sacrificial system symbolized, Jesus accomplished fully and forever.
It is through the blood of Jesus Christ that death PASSES OVER us.
It is through the blood of Jesus Christ that we no longer must give daily burnt offerings.
It is through the blood of Jesus Christ ALL our sins are atoned.
It is through the blood of Jesus Christ we have PEACE WITH GOD.
Altar of Heaven 