JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD

 Sunday, January 15, 2023.

SECOND SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR A 

First Reading.  Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6

Psalm. 40: 2, 4, 7-10 (R. 8a. 9a)

Second Reading. 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3

Gospel. John 1: 29-34

TOPIC FOR REFLECTION 

JESUS, THE LAMB OF GOD: THE THEOLOGICAL IMPLICATION. 

Excuse me please, just a minute... 

Has anyone called you an animal before? 

If yes, what was your reaction? 

Again I ask, has anyone specifically called you by the name of an animal such as calling you a monkey, goat,  sheep, dog, snake, etc? 

If yes, how do you feel being called such names? 

Similarly, hope you are aware that God is called by an animal's name. The Lamb. 

So, what do you expect His reaction to be? 

Anyway, in such a situation, let's assume you feel insulted to be called by the name of an animal, what or how do you expect God to feel? 

Should God feel insulted? 

In that case, why was Jesus called the Lamb? 

Was it a situation where God reminds us that we are animals? 

Does it sound good for God to be called a Lamb? 

In summary, my dear, can you be proud to be called a lamb? 

Anyway, I guess we need to understand what type of animal is called Lamb, and the reason or the theological significance Jesus is called the Lamb. 

Of a truth, all Christians are called to become a lamb. 

Lamb means a young sheep. 

A sheep in a religious context among many other meanings is a shy person who is easily led by others, a person who is easily understood by speech recognition, and a religious adherent. 

So, having understood the simple meaning, why then did John address Jesus as the lamb of God? 

According to the old testament scriptures, the lamb especially among other animals has been used for sacrifice to God. Hence, it becomes a symbol of sacrifice. 

Below are some biblical references to how the word" Lamb" has been in use from the time of Abraham to the time of Jesus. 

1. Isaac asks his father, Abraham, where is the Lamb for sacrifice? Cf. Gen. 22: 6-8 

2. The priests in the temple at Jerusalem sacrificed a lamb in the morning and evening every day. Cf. Exodus 29: 38.2. 

3. Then Moses called all the elders of Israel, and said to them, “Select lambs for yourselves according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb. Cf. Ex. 12: 21.

4. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male a year old...  Cf. Ex. 12: 5.

5. Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb has been sacrificed. Cf. 1 Cor. 5: 7

Other biblical references made mention of the Lamb for sacrifice. 

In today's Gospel, John saw Jesus and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After I come to a man who ranks before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know him; but for this, I came baptizing with water, that He might be revealed to Israel.” 

Therefore, Jesus as the Lamb sacrificed Himself for our sins for others to have life; so as Christians, we are called to become another Lamb who will sacrifice for the lives of others. 

So, authentic sacrificing for one another makes one a lamb like God. 

Peace ✌️ be with you 

Rev. Fr. Segun Oladeji, CRS.