With the words, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world,” Saint John the Baptist proclaims a profound truth about the mission of Jesus. Jesus’ mission is directed toward sinners. He is the Servant whose coming was foretold by the prophet Isaiah, the One sent to bring sinners back to God. Jesus comes to give life through His blood, for by His blood humanity is freed from sin and from the forces of evil.
Isaiah’s words, addressed to a people in need, assure them that God is with them even in moments of apparent failure, and that He has great plans for them. The figure of the suffering servant makes it clear that God formed and called him to bring the people of Israel back to their God, and that he would remain faithful to this call. An essential part of this mission is to be a light to the nations. Israel, in turn, is called to witness to God’s saving plan before the whole world. In this dialogue, the Lord speaks to His chosen one, who becomes a witness to salvation for all peoples, a light for every nation. According to John the Baptist, Jesus comes into the world to fulfill this same mission.
Jesus helped sinners to change their way of life not by condemning them or keeping His distance, but by drawing close to them. He befriended them, believed in them, saw the goodness within them, and helped them rediscover that goodness.
Jesus did not take this role upon Himself. He was called by God and sent by God. Once the call came, He made a total gift of Himself to it. From that moment on, He sought not His own honor, but the honor of His Father. He knew that He was sent to serve His brothers and sisters.
So today, like Jesus and the suffering servant, we are reminded that there is a mission and a meaning to our lives far greater than we can imagine. Our own vision may be limited or local, but God’s purpose for us is often much wider than we think. In all the opportunities God gives us, we are called to do our best, within our means, even through small and simple actions.
Like Jesus, we are called to draw close rather than to judge, to heal rather than to condemn, and to bring others back to God by the way we live. By doing so, we can inspire others to follow the Lord and to bear witness to all the great things God has done for us, especially in the quiet signs of His faithfulness and the constant love He has shown us throughout our lives.
Let us not underestimate what God can do through us when we place our lives in His hands. Strengthened by Christ, the Lamb of God, may we go forth and become instruments of His mercy, witnesses of His love, and bearers of His light to all we meet.
Scripture Readings:
Is 49:3, 5 • 1Cor 1:1–3 • Jn 1:29–34