Intertextual and narrative analysis of the lamb motif in Jn 1:29-34

Abstract

In my research I examine the motif of the Lamb of God as it appears in John 1:29-34. My method is a grammatically sensitive reading of the biblical text, after an adapt translation, in order to highlight the particularities and background of the narrative.

Then, following the theological vision of Morales (2020), I look for the macronarrative of exodus in the text. This approach will help me to analyse the passage in the light of the biblical story of salvation as a whole and to find the message for the modern man.

The seemingly brief passage reveals several connections with Genesis, certainly with the book of Exodus, and sets in motion a programme running through the whole Gospel, which we might call a 'cultic exodus'. The cultic exodus, according to Morales (2020), is nothing other than the return to the Edenic state, symbolised by the sanctuary of the temple.

The lamb motif leads the reader to two movements: to return to the dwelling place of Jesus to celebrate the Passover meal in his presence, and to return to the Holy of Holies, the new creation that Jesus rebuilt in his resurrection.

John’s is, in the full sense, the „Passover lamb” who reveals the nature of God, who sets us in motion. On the one hand, he invites us to follow him, so that he may protect us from the forces of evil. On the other hand, John invites the Christian people to a priestly approach, so that at the centre of the cult, behind everything, we can discern Jesus, who is the leader of the new exodus.