The Lamb Who Takes Away the Sin of the World

The homily centers on John the Baptist's declaration, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world," and its profound implications for understanding Jesus's identity and mission. It explains the historical context of the Lamb of God reference, rooted in Jewish temple sacrifices, where the innocent lamb's death atoned for sins. Jesus, as the ultimate Lamb of God, embodies a definitive act of atonement, paying the price for humanity's sins through his sacrifice on the cross. This sacrifice is not merely an act of injustice but a redemptive act that ransoms humanity from captivity to sin. The homily references Old Testament stories, including Abel's sacrifice, the Passover lamb, and Abraham's offering of Isaac, as well as the Book of Revelation, to illustrate the significance of the Lamb as a symbol of atonement and redemption throughout salvation history.