Christianity
John
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
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ParallelsA comparative study
ChristianityJudaismIslam
On The Lamb
Across these Abrahamic traditions, the lamb functions as a symbol of innocent substitution and divine provision. In Judaism, the Passover lamb marks physical deliverance through blood on the doorposts. Christianity reinterprets this imagery christologically, identifying Jesus as the eschatological Lamb whose death effects spiritual redemption. Islam commemorates the ransom of Ibrahim’s son through sacrifice, emphasizing submission rather than atonement.
What every account tells.
- iSubstitutionary sacrifice
- iiDivine provision of the victim
- iiiRitual commemoration
- ivInnocence of the victim
How each tradition tells it.
Christianity
Christianity identifies the Lamb with Jesus, viewing his death as a unique, eschatological atonement that fulfills the Passover typology. This theological shift moves the focus from ritual observance to personal salvation through the sacrificial death.
Judaism
Judaism retains the Passover lamb as a commemorative ritual of national liberation, generally rejecting later Christological interpretations of Isaiah 53. The lamb remains a sign of covenantal obedience and historical deliverance rather than a metaphysical savior.
Islam
Islam emphasizes the sacrifice as a test of submission (Ibrahim) commemorated annually, distinct from the concept of vicarious atonement. The great sacrifice is understood as a provision from God to replace the son, reinforcing the duty of ritual slaughter.
Read the passages as one.
Judaism
Exodus
“Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:”
Judaism
Isaiah
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”
Islam
Surah 37: As-Saffat (Those who set the Ranks)
وَفَدَيۡنَٰهُ بِذِبۡحٍ عَظِيمٖ
“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice”