On the Bank of the River Jordan
AM Psalm 37:1-18 • PM Psalm 37:19-42
Deut. 7:6-11 • Titus 1:1-16 • John 1:29-34
Arguably the most vulnerable animal whose only defense against predators is to stay together in a group, sheep were the most valuable livestock mentioned in the Bible. In Old Testament times, sheep were a currency used to trade and pay debts. A lamb, with its whole life of productivity ahead, was especially valuable (sort of like trading in futures) and a first-born lamb was of utmost worth. With strict Jewish laws regulating the propriety of other common livestock, sheep had added importance. As part of their Covenant with God, Jews made sacrifices to atone for their sins, and the sacrifice of this valuable commodity was considered especially righteous. Remember, too, an integral feature of the Jewish Passover feast was the lamb, commemorating the lamb which the Israelites ate on the eve of their escape from Egypt and whose blood was painted on the doorposts of their houses, later becoming a symbol of liberation. But as God saw the sacrifice of lambs become empty of atonement or remorse, he began a new covenant. He sent his only son — his first-born lamb — to be sacrificed, to die on a cross for the sins of all, past, present and future.
Although John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, he acknowledges that he did not know who to expect. I myself did not know him. . . I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove. This is the culminating moment when John realizes who Jesus is — here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! Yet John must have gazed upon this unassuming young carpenter — Could this really be the Son of God? And what did those within earshot think when they heard that description? A lamb? a lamb of God will be our savior?
It is a dramatic moment on the bank of the River Jordan that day. John’s mission is fulfilled: he was to point people in the direction of Jesus. With these words — here is the Lamb of God — John draws back the curtain and Jesus takes center stage in our human story.
Written by Bernadette Reda
Contradicting the myth that sheep are stupid, research shows sheep have brain power equal to rodents, monkeys, and in some tests, humans. In addition to excellent spatial-memory and learning abilities, they also possess acute visual discrimination, able to remember the faces of more than 50 other sheep for more than two years. They also know he difference between a familiar, friendly human face or the the face of a malevolent human. For more fun, look up Icelandic Leadersheep!