Behold, the Lamb of God

John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." John 1: 29

Behold- look intently, gaze at, take a closer look, keep your eyes on. This is an attention grabbing word. Some other verses in which this word is used to help give us a better understanding of its meaning are:
Gen. 1: 31- ..and behold it was very good.
Psalm 119: 18- that I may behold wonderous things...
Matt. 1: 23- Behold a virgin shall conceive...
John 19: 5- Behold, the man...
John 19: 26- Woman, behold your son...
1 John 3: 1- behold what manner of love the Father has given us.

The word means- see, look, but I think it has a deeper conotation, a more intense suggestion behind it. John was telling the people to get a good look at Jesus, take a closer look than the obvious because this man was secial. He was the Lamb of God- that phrase alone must have grabbed thier attention. It probably made them think of several events in their history.

Genesis 22: 8- Abraham was telling Isaac that God will provide for Himself a lamb for a burnt offering. They were going up the mountain to sacrifice to the Lord and Abraham knew Isaac was to be the sacrifice but he believed God would provide a 'lamb' in his place. The ram in the thicket became Isaac's substitute.
Exodus 12: 21- they were to kill the 'passover lamb'
Is. 53: 7- like a lamb that is led to the slaughter.....
John 1: 29- Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
They had an idea of what John was saying to them.
After Jesus died on the cross some realized exactly what John had been saying.
Acts 8: 32- like a lamb before his shearers is silent so Jesus opened not His mouth to His accusors.
1 Cor. 5:7- for Christ, our Passover Lamb
Rev. 5: 6- I saw a Lamb standing as though it had been slain
Rev. 5: 12- Worthy is the Lamb who was slain...

Jesus is the Lamb of God, He is our substitute, He died in our place.
Behold! the Lamb
Follow the Lamb!
to the praise of the glory of His grace,
Norma