One day when I was probably just a toddler, I toddled (for that is what toddlers do) into my father's study, got down on my hands and knees, and crawled up to him at his desk. He was probably working on a sermon. He looked down at me and said, "Are you my little doggie?" I answered, "No, I'm your little lamb." From that day to this my father has called me "Lamb."

John the Baptist, the Forerunner of Jesus, saw Jesus coming toward him one day and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29 NKJV). I like that word "Behold!" It sounds so royal, so majestic, so prophetic. (The NIV's "Look" is rather bland. Anyone can look; to behold is quite another.) Now why did our friend John compare Jesus to a lamb - to the Lamb of God? William Barclay notes, "John was the son of a priest. He would know all the ritual of the Temple and its sacrifices. Every morning and every evening a lamb was sacrificed in the Temple for the sins of the people (Exo. 29:38-42)...It may be that John is saying, 'In the Temple a lamb is offered every night and every morning for the sins of the people; but in this Jesus is the only sacrifice which can deliver men from sin." The Lamb of God delivered this little lamb from sin. All we like sheep have gone astray. He died for your sins too. As we approach the Christmas season, make sure you take time too..."Behold the Lamb!"

(And don't forget to tell others about this daily Bible study that is available at no cost. Forward them on to your friends and neighbors!)

Prayer: Loving Lord, thank You for the herald John who calls our attention to Your Lamb, slain for sinners such as me. Thanks most of all for the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world, including mine.