May 22, 2019 -- I Peter 1:16b-19 -- Jesus the Lamb without Blemish or Spot

“You shall be holy, for I am holy.”  And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,  knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,  but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

I Peter 1:16b-19 English Standard Version

Who is Jesus? Peter calls Jesus the “Lamb without Blemish or Spot”. Peter was the follower of Jesus who betrayed Jesus. Peter was the one who had declared before Jesus something to the effect “Even if everyone else falls away, I am ready to defend You and go to prison and or death.” This same Peter could not even muster the courage to tell a servant girl “Yes, I am a follower of Jesus”. Peter was fully aware of the depths of his betrayal of Jesus.

This same Peter was restored by the love of Jesus. This same Peter declares Jesus to be the Lamb without Blemish or Spot. By this Peter assures the reader, Jesus:

by His blood has washed away all our sins;

by His perfection is the righteousness given to us which is demanded by God the Father;

by His words and teaching is NOT some good prophet who happened to be killed by a mob that misunderstood Him—Jesus fully in submission to God and fully in control, gave Himself in our place as the substitute for our sins;

by His grace restores ruined and lost sinners so that we are reconciled to God—not of our doing, not because of any work on our part, but wholly by the unmerited grace of God shown us in Christ and sealed in us by the Holy Spirit;

by His Sovereign rule is the Lamb Who takes away sin, conquered death, and fear therefore now leads His flock in the path of holiness.

If Jesus were merely human, He would not be this Lamb! If Jesus were merely a misguided prophet martyred in weakness, He would be a liar and NOT the Lamb without Blemish or Spot because His perfection would not extend to His words. If Jesus were not all these things and more, then God’s promises of the Old Testament are still unfulfilled and we are without hope of salvation. Jesus did in fact claim to be God. Jesus did in fact fulfil all God’s promises. He did die and rise, this being the sign beyond all signs proving His divinity and showing God’s approval of His submission and voluntary sacrifice. Be assured that in Jesus’ Name, your sins are forgiven.

Jesus, Lamb without Blemish or Spot, blessed are You and great in all Your work, word and ways. Forgive us our sins. By Your Spirit, strengthen us to believe in You more and more and to walk in the path of holiness to the honour and praise of God our Father. Amen.