A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD     

Matthew 11:7-10 “As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’” 

It is one thing to know facts and details. It is another to not only know facts and details but to believe what you have learned to be true. John the Baptist’s disciples knew what John had told them and what they had observed while following him. Jesus said that they had gone out into the wilderness where John the Baptist conducted his ministry drawn there not because of how he dressed or where he was living but because they were convinced that he was a prophet.   

You must remember that prophets not only delivered prophecies from Yahweh. They also were the preachers of that day and age. They delivered the message of God found in the Old Testament and that which was given them directly by the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist’s ministry drew many into the wilderness to hear him preach and to receive his baptism.   

Jesus, in the last verse of today’s devotional verses said that it was written in the Old Testament that John the Baptist would come into the world to prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah, who would follow Him. John’s father, Zechariah, penned a canticle that we still sing today in the worship liturgy known as the Benedictus. In this canticle Zechariah said that His Son would prepare the way for the Messiah, the Savior of the world.   

It is this God given role for John to which Jesus points John the Baptist’s disciples. From the record found in the Gospels of the Baptist’s ministry, his message points you to Jesus as your Savior from sin and the way to heaven: “Look,” John said of Jesus, “. . . the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)  

Prayer: Holy Spirit, through the words of John the Baptist you cause me today to look to Jesus as the Lamb sent by God to take away my sins. Grant me faith to believe and trust in Him. Amen. 

The Lamb, the Lamb, O Father where’s the sacrifice?
Faith sees, believes God will provide the Lamb of price! 

Refrain: Worthy is the Lamb whose death makes me His own!
The Lamb is reigning on His throne! 

The Lamb, the Lamb, One perfect final offering,  
The Lamb, the Lamb, Let earth join heav’n His praise to sing.  Refrain: 

The Lamb, the Lamb, As wayward sheep their shepherd kill  
So still, His will On our behalf the Law to fill. Refrain: 

He sighs, He dies, He takes my sin and wretchedness.   
He lives, forgives, He gives me His own righteousness. Refrain: 

He rose, He rose, My heart with thanks now overflows.  
His song prolong Till ev’ry heart to Him belong. Refrain:

The Lamb // LSB 547