Animals of the Bible · Ground · Domestic
The Lamb
The gentle, innocent lamb — the pure sacrifice of God’s love
Discovered in your collection
- Key verse
- John 1:29
- Where it lived
- The green pastures of Bethlehem, the hills of Judea and the valleys of Galilee
- What it reminds us of
- Innocence, obedience, humility and the self-giving love of the Savior
Stories from Scripture
The Lamb in the stories of the Bible
John the Baptist and Jesus
“Behold the Lamb of God!”
When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him at the river Jordan, he spoke the prophetic words: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Jesus came to earth not with a sword, but with pure gentleness, ready to give His life for people.
John 1:29The people of Israel in Egypt
The Passover lamb on the night of freedom
On the night of the exodus from slavery in Egypt, the families of Israel marked the doors of their houses with the blood of a lamb without blemish, and they were kept safe from danger and made ready for the great journey to freedom.
Exodus 12:1-13The prophet Isaiah
The gentle lamb in Isaiah’s prophecy
Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah announced that the Savior would suffer patiently out of love for us: “as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”
Isaiah 53:7
Wonders of Creation
Did you know?
Lambs recognize their mother by her voice and smell from their very first hours, and they answer only to her call.
They are very gentle and clean creatures, always looking for the warmth and safety of the flock and for the nearness of the shepherd.
In the lands of the Bible, a lamb without blemish was the symbol of a pure soul brought with thankfulness before the Creator.
What the lamb teaches us
Jesus showed us that love and gentleness are stronger than force
The lamb reminds us of the kindness and humility of Jesus Christ. He did not answer with meanness those who wronged Him, but brought peace, healing and forgiveness for the whole world.
How we can live this out today
When someone is mean to you, do not answer with the same meanness. Answer with gentleness and forgiveness, as Jesus did!
Mini-Quiz
What did you learn about the lamb?
What did John the Baptist call Jesus when he saw Him at the river Jordan?
For parents and children
At home and in Sunday school
A question for parents and children
Why is gentleness a stronger virtue than anger? How can we follow the example of Jesus in our home?
“Lord Jesus, pure and good Lamb, thank You for loving me so much. Put gentleness, peace and the wish to do good in my heart! Amen.”