“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 (NIV)
The Passover lamb was the animal God directed the Israelites to use as a sacrifice in Egypt on the night the firstborn sons of every household were struck down (Exodus 12:29). This was the final plague God issued against Pharaoh, and it led to Pharaoh releasing the Israelites from slavery (Exodus 11:1). After that fateful night, God instructed the Israelites to observe the Passover Feast as a lasting memorial (Exodus 12:14). God instructed every household of the Israelite people to select a year-old male lamb without defect (Exodus 12:5; cf. Leviticus 22:20-21). The head of the household was to slaughter the lamb at twilight, taking care that none of its bones were broken, and apply some of its blood to the tops and sides of the doorframe of the house.
All the Israelites knew and understood what John meant when he referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God. They understood this meant Jesus would be sacrificed to save them. His death would take away their sin permanently.
Prayer: God, thank you for making a way to forgive us for our sins. Thank you for the sacrifice of your Son so that I can have a relationship with you. Help me to be a witness and example for others. In Jesus name. Amen.