Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42a

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

It’s not polite to point. People don’t like it when they’re being stared at, talked about, or singled out. We don’t want to make anyone feel uneasy or unsafe. Pointing has always had a more accusatory emphasis behind it. We usually only point at something or someone that stands out in a negative way. 

It’s takes pointing though to direct our attention. A simple statement of “Look!” isn’t enough. Look where? This is the typical way John the Baptist is depicted. He’s pointing. He doesn’t point at just anything either. He’s pointing to Jesus who’s walking along the road. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29. He had to point it out. He had to direct people’s attention to this important scene. 

We always talk about John’s ministry as one of preparation. But perhaps his ministry was more of a pointing. John baptized people in the wilderness but that was only half his mission, as we see with two of his disciples. John must point out for them the promised Messiah who had come. Behold! Look over there! That’s him! The lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 

John wouldn’t be the only one to point to Jesus though. For many others would point to him and not in a good way. The Lamb of God would be pointed out by the crowds, singled out for his actions. He would be pointed at by Judas who would single him out for the Roman guards to arrest him. He would be pointed at by Pilate who would tell the crowds, “Behold, the man!” John 19:5. Jesus would be pointed out as the sin-bearing lamb of God. 

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. God would be the last one to point his finger. He would point to Jesus on the cross where his wrath would be poured out. Jesus would be accused, sentenced and condemned for our sins. He would be the one pointed at and mocked by Roman guards. He would be pointed at by all the people shocked that such fate could befall one called the Son of God. Yet, all fingers will point to him again in three days, not in accusation but in bewilderment and awe. For see the Lamb of God having completed the sacrifice for all sins, now risen from the dead. This is the one whom took your sins and my sins, who took our place, who we pointed at in mockery… but now must point to in faith. Let us point, direct, and turn the worlds focus to this one… to Jesus, the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the world! 

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!