Woman shares the Lamb

By Orpha Ortega

Followers of Christ, the lamb is one of the most profound symbols in the Bible because it speaks to us of God's plan to save us.

In the tradition of ancient Israel, sheep destined for sacrifice were bred with others of the same purity to preserve the quality of the flock. If an animal was born with a defect, it was discarded, because the sacrifice had to represent the sanctity of what would be offered before God.

The Passover established in Exodus 12 taught that the lamb should be for the whole family. If the household was small, it should be shared with the nearest neighbor, because the lamb was always enough.

Redemption was not limited by family size or spiritual or social standing. Even the best families in the village needed a lamb, because all of humanity required reconciliation with God.

The lamb was not only a symbol for Israel, but for all humanity. The prophet Isaiah declared, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray… and as a lamb was led to the slaughter,” Isaiah 53:6–8. The biblical imagery portrays humanity as lost sheep and the Messiah as the Lamb who takes the place of the people to restore fellowship with God.

The Gospel of John begins with a pivotal proclamation when John the Baptist saw Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The apostle Paul reaffirms this truth by declaring that “Christ, our Passover lamb, was sacrificed for us” in 1 Corinthians 5:7.

Consider the following truths from the Lamb's message:

• The Lamb had to be perfect, without blemish or defect, pointing to Christ as the holy sacrifice acceptable before God.

• The Lamb was enough for everyone, even to share with the neighbor, showing that redemption has no limits.

• The Lamb shows the price of salvation, reminding us that redemption involved suffering and sacrifice.

• The Lamb replaces the sinner, taking the place of humanity to restore communion with God.

• The Lamb is central from Genesis to Revelation, being the continuous message of all Scripture.

There is an urgent need for people to know that Jesus Christ died for them too. Sharing the Lamb is sharing hope, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Remember that blessed are those invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb, for that invitation is necessary to participate in eternal redemption. The Bridegroom is the Lamb who, with tender and silent love, gave his life as the price of salvation.