The next day [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

The greatest presentation the world has ever heard. Such a simple little sentence in an obscure part of the world, during the height of the greatest super-power nation the world has ever seen. The extensive and hugely dominant Roman Empire would fade away in 400-500 years, with its architectural ruins and cultural remnants remaining as proof of its decline. Many Caesars (the title taken from Julius Caesar and applied to all emperors of Rome) and subsequent world leaders have come and gone. In contrast, the one introduced by John near a small, dirty river in the valley between ancient Israel and Moab (present-day country of Jordan) lived a rather short life of 33 some odd years (although precise dating is difficult to establish). Although the ancient Roman writings do mention Jesus Christ in passing, the references are scant, and are found almost entirely in the Christian records of the first century.

Yet, to use today’s vernacular, we hear John bellowing across the ages, “Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce to you, the one, the only, Lamb of God!” Many respond with a shrug of the shoulders, but many others respond with wonderment and faith. Those with a Jewish background or familiarity with the OT would immediately see the reference to the liturgical sacrificial system instituted by God, which caused His people to anticipate the perfect sacrifice, the final dealing with sin.

Yes, this was a human sacrifice, as horrible as that may sound. Of course, for any human to commit human sacrifice would be an abomination, because it is not our right to take life, since we are not the giver of life. To heighten the horribleness, it was a divine sacrifice – the putting to death of the God-man, the Messiah, the One God sent to set His people finally free. Their bondage was not primarily to their Roman overlords (although the Jews have certainly had their share of oppression, from the Egyptian to the Babylonian and Assyrian enslavements). Their real bondage was to sin, just as it is for people today.

We may think of ourselves as obscure, small individuals in the mass of humanity. We may not be famous or great, or have a large “platform” like professional athletes or celebrities. But we have been given the privilege of echoing John’s proclamation, introducing the Lamb of God who takes away sin. “[W]e are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). And what a privilege that is! All the kings of the earth will bow before Him.

Lord, help me have the courage and compassion to introduce Jesus to others.