Sermon 18th January 2026 – 2nd Sunday after Epiphany
Text John 1:29-42 – Come and see Jesus
John the Baptist declaration today would have echoed across
the Jordan River: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the
world!”. What would the people have
thought of that statement? These words
are not just poetic—they are revolutionary. They reveal Jesus’ identity, His
mission, and the invitation extended to all who hear. John identifies Jesus not
as a warrior, king, or prophet first, but as a lamb.
In Jewish tradition, lambs carried deep meaning:
Passover lamb: whose blood marked freedom from slavery in
Egypt. In the Passover, the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from the
angel death. In Jesus, through his Body
and Blood in the Sacrament of Holy Communion we find the ultimate fulfillment
of our salvation – freed from eternal judgement.
Sacrificial lamb: offered daily in the temple for
forgiveness.
Isaiah’s suffering servant: “like a lamb led to the
slaughter.”
By calling Jesus the Lamb of God, John declares that Jesus
fulfills all these images—He is the one who has come to liberate, forgive, and
suffers for the world’s redemption. John admits: “I myself did not know him.” Recognition
of Jesus comes not from human insight but divine revelation. It’s what Luther
says in the small catechism:
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe
in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by
the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true
faith.
It’s what Jesus revealed to Peter at his confession of Jesus
as the Christ in Matthew 16:
“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not
revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.
John’s recognition came as the Spirit descended like a dove
which confirms Jesus as the chosen one from God. In the same way the Holy
Spirit is given to us in our Baptism where we too are adopted as chosen
children of God. This reminds us that faith is not simply intellectual—it is
Spirit-given recognition of who Jesus truly is. James says similar in his
letter –
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons
believe that—and shudder.
To gaze upon Jesus as the Lamb of God signifies more than
acknowledgment; it invites us into a relationship—one built on faith and trust.
John knows that he is not the light but came only as a witness to the light. So
he points his own disciples toward Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God!”
Jesus now begins to appoint his own disciples and Andrew and
another disciple follow Jesus, asking, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Jesus replies, “Come and see.” Their immediate
response is to follow Jesus. This is a
pivotal moment of discipleship. When
John pointed someone out, he was not just revealing Jesus' identity but also
summoning his followers to a decision—to leave their old lives behind and
embark on a new journey.
This is the heart of discipleship: not abstract knowledge,
but an invitation to dwell with Jesus, to experience His presence. The
disciples ask Jesus a simple yet profound question, “Rabbi, where are you
staying?” This inquiry reveals a deep
desire to know Christ more intimately. When
we follow Jesus, we are invited not just to observe from a distance but to
enter into His presence and abide with Him.
How often do we ask Jesus, “Where are you staying?” Do we seek His presence in our daily lives? Are we making space for Him in our busy
schedules, our families, and our hearts? The invitation to "stay"
with Jesus is an invitation to fellowship, prayer, and growth. It is in these quiet moments that we cultivate
our faith and deepen our relationship with Him.
Andrew then brings his brother Simon, who receives a new
name: Cephas (Peter) revealing further that encountering Jesus transforms
identity and purpose. In a world full of distractions, we are called to fix our
eyes on Jesus, the Lamb who takes away sin. What would it look like for us to behold Him
daily—in prayer, scripture, and service? Like John, we are not the light, but
we point others to the Light.
Who in your life needs you to hear, “Look, here is the Lamb
of God”? Discipleship begins with curiosity and grows through encounter. Jesus doesn’t give a lecture—He offers
relationship. Are we willing to step
into His presence and invite others to do the same? Simon became Peter, the
rock. Jesus renames and repurposes us
too which begins in our Baptism where we are reborn as Children of God.
What new identity might Christ be shaping in you? John’s
words still echo today: “Behold, the Lamb of God.” They are both proclamation and invitation. To behold Jesus is to see the one who carries
our sin, who calls us to follow, and who transforms our lives. John is not simply naming a man; he is
announcing hope for the world. As we
reflect on our own lives, do we grasp who Jesus is? Are we willing to behold Him as the Lamb who
takes away our sins, our burdens, and our shame? Are we attuned to God’s voice
calling us to follow Christ more deeply? It requires letting go of distractions,
doubts, and even some comforts. It may
mean changing our priorities, rekindling our faith, or stepping outside our
comfort zones to share the love of Christ in a world that desperately needs it.
Let us be like Andrew, not only come and see, but also go
and tell—so that others may behold the Lamb and find life in Him.
