All of us have that loud relative that says what everyone is thinking. They liven up family parties and often spark controversy. Jesus had a cousin like that, John the Baptist. People thought he was crazy by how he dressed, and he never shied away from confrontation. God used him to be a voice in the wilderness and to prepare the way for Jesus. He declared that the Messiah had come. Point people to the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
JOHN 1:29
“The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
Jesus went by many names. His favorite to refer to himself as “Son of Man.” Here, John the Baptist proclaims in front of everyone, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” To the Jewish people, the correlation of a sacrificial lamb given for the sin offering and Jesus might have been odd. John was declaring what Jesus’ primary role was going to be on earth, the perfect sacrifice to take away everyone’s sins. Jesus’ primary purpose wasn’t to be a moral teacher or a champion for the poor. He did all of those, but He came to die on the cross to appease God’s wrath.
You’ve Been Set Free
Jesus takes away your sins. His one-time death covers all of your transgressions. The grace that flowed from the cross covers you. You need to ask for forgiveness and receive it by walking in freedom. Satan will try to convince you that you are still bad by trying to heap guilt, shame, and condemnation upon you, but you have been set free.
Point People to the Lamb
Are you like John the Baptist? Are you pointing people to Jesus? Do you tell people that Jesus is the one who can remove their sin and shame? Don’t be afraid of what others might say. Be bold in your faith and point people to the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. It will change their world and might do something for you as well.