“O Christ, Thou Lamb of God,” LBW 103
1 O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest
away the sin of the world, have mercy
upon us!
2 O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest
away the sin of the world, have mercy
upon us!
3 O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest
away the sin of the world, grant us Thy
peace! Amen.
Devotion
We hear our Lenten theme, “Clothed in God’s Grace,” in light of Jesus’ Passover meal with the disciples. We come to know once again the depth of God’s love for us in Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God.
Passover, a memorial festival in Jewish life, remembers God’s deliverance from Egypt and the smearing of the blood of the lamb on the doorposts and lintel, sparing the first born as the angel of death passed over the homes of the Israelites. Roasted lamb, unleavened bread and bitter herbs commemorate the Exodus from Egypt and remain in the tradition of God’s people today.
The meal of deliverance signifies the living presence of God as Jesus takes the loaf of bread, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And again with the cup, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
In these words, we are clothed in the new covenant of God’s grace. Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, who brings to fulfillment in God’s mercy and forgiveness that takes away the sin of the world.