John the Baptizer introduced the Messiah, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, in a very curious way when we cried out, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:29) For those of us who have read the Bible and sat through sermons all our lives, bombshell phrases like this may not land as profoundly as they should. But, to first-century, Jewish ears, this title brought to mind only one thing: the ritual, sacrificial lambs that were slain for the forgiveness of sins. And it was even more shocking to claim this Lamb would take away the entire world’s sins!
Maybe the best analogy for the forgiveness of sins is that of a prisoner on Death Row being freed because someone took their place, but unless you’ve been on Death Row yourself, you may not be able to fully relate. But maybe you have been in debt, whether from college, credit card, or property. If so, you know the oppressive anxiety that can come with the inability to escape such crushing debt.
So imagine you’re walking through town one day, about your business, and someone begins to walk beside you. You glance over, and realize it’s none other than Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist. You’re shocked as he kindly greets you, but you maintain your composure. He asks if you have any debt. You stammer awkwardly that some college debt remains, and you’re working on paying off your home and vehicle. He asks you how much you owe, you divulge the information: a substantial figure, and he proceeds to write you a check for the exact amount. You are now debt free. No more fees, late fees, or collection agencies. No threats of repossession or jail time. Mercy has been shown: all penalties removed. And you did nothing to deserve it.
But it doesn’t stop there. Bill then removes a credit card from his wallet and hands it to you saying, “Everything I have is yours.” He even gives you his three-digit PIN on the back. “You now have full access to the Gates estate,” he tells you, “Welcome to the family.” Grace has been given: unmerited favor lavished over you. And you did nothing to earn it.
How might you respond to such unbelievable generosity? You would SING HIS PRAISES to everyone you know! (Even to Apple users like me!)
Jesus words on the cross, “It is finished” mean paid in full! God made the sinless Lamb of God to become sin for us, so that in Him we might become His righteousness! (2 Cor 5:21) We only need to come as we are, empty-handed, and accept His gift.
