He Takes Away the Sin of the World
Thursday’s Verse:
From John 1:29 KJV
The next day (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
On Wednesday, we reviewed the Gloria in Excelsis, or as some liturgies call it, the “Hymn of Praise.” At its core is the belief that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, sent by God to save His people. Today, let’s think about the Agnus Dei, which is directly translated as “Lamb of God,” and is sung during the Communion portion of the liturgy.
Sunday after Sunday, the Church sings: “Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.”
The Agnus Dei comes from John the Baptist. When Jesus came toward him, he didn't just say "teacher" or "prophet". He said, "Behold, the Lamb of God."
It reminds us of sacrifice. In the Old Testament, we see lambs being sacrificed. Blood had to be shed for our sins because sin leads to death. Those sacrifices could never take away sin, though. They led us to Jesus. The one sacrifice that could take away sin.
"He takes away the sin of the world." Not just the sins of really great people. Not just sins we think God can forgive. The Lamb of God takes away the sin of the world. That includes you and me.
Which is why I love singing the Agnus Dei during the Divine Service. As we prepare to eat the body and drink the blood of Christ, we remember that the Lamb of God is coming to us. With his sacrifice on the cross, He has brought us forgiveness, life, and salvation.
When we sing "have mercy on us," we know that Christ will. We're simply stating that he is where mercy is found.
"Grant us peace." We all want peace in our lives. But the greatest peace we can receive is peace with God.
Which He has already provided for us.
Today’s Prayers
Lamb of God. You took away the sin of the world. Including my sin. Please forgive me and have mercy on me. Help me to keep my eyes on You today. And give me Your peace. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Photo by Daniel Sandvik on Unsplash