BEHOLD THE LAMB

January 4

Bible Reading: John 1

John 1:29, “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”

John 1:35, “The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’”

“What can wash away my sin?” The old hymn asks a great question, arguably the most important of questions. How can I be acquitted of the sin-guilt that plagues my existence before my creator God?

The principle of a substitutionary sacrifice for sin was well established from that day when God took a lamb and shed its blood to provide garments of skin for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21). When God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac asked, “Where is the Lamb?” to which Abraham replied, “God will provide for Himself the Lamb for the burnt offering” (Genesis 22:8)! ”And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by its horns” (Genesis 22:13). As God provided a substitute that day, so in Jesus He provided a sacrifice for the “sin of the world.” Year after year, day by day, sacrifices were made in the temple. And it is estimated that some 20,000 lambs were slaughtered for Passover in Jesus’ day. But none of those sacrifices could take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). They instead foreshadowed God’s provision of the lamb of God, who would. The Jews of that day knew all about sacrificial lambs but were no doubt surprised by John the Baptist’s declaration! As the forerunner of Christ, John spoke of many things, but no more eloquent words could pass from his lips!

Jesus was a great teacher, wonderful healer, and a perfect example in all he said and did, but those weren’t the primary reasons for His coming.  He came to provide a way of salvation for sinners through His substitutionary sacrifice (1 Timothy 1:15).  The multitudes looked to John the Baptist, as he called folks to repentance, but then, before a multitude of followers, he directed their attention to Jesus as the sole means by which sins could be forgiven. 

What does that mean for you and me? God has provided a perfect sacrifice in Jesus, through which our sins can be forgiven (1 Peter 1:19). It is as we read in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” A divine transaction of miraculous proportion is availed to those who trust in Jesus. He was made to be sin, so that God might exchange our sin for Christ’s righteousness! Behold the Lamb! It is as the hymn says, “Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, to every believer the promise of God; The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives” (To God be the Glory)!

What can wash away your sins?  Nothing but the shed blood of the Lamb of God!

LAMB OF GOD
Your only Son no sin to hide
But You have sent Him from Your side
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the Lamb of God

Your gift of love they crucified
They laughed and scorned Him as he died
The humble King they named a fraud
And sacrificed the Lamb of God

Oh Lamb of God, Sweet lamb of God
I love the Holy Lamb of God
Oh wash me in His precious Blood
My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God
I was so lost I should have died

But You have brought me to Your side
To be led by Your staff and rod
And to be called a lamb of God

Oh Lamb of God, Sweet lamb of God
I love the Holy Lamb of God
Oh wash me in His precious Blood
My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God

Oh wash me in His precious Blood
My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God

-Twila Paris

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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