ABSTRACT

The designation of Jesus as the “Lamb of God” (amnos tou theou) in John 1:29, 36 constitutes a central pillar of Johannine Christology and a profound theological metaphor within the New Testament. This study critically examines the historical, theological, and symbolic dimensions of the Lamb imagery by situating it within the broader context of Old Testament sacrificial systems, Second Temple Jewish expectations, and early Christian interpretive traditions. Particular attention is given to key interpretive models, including the Passover lamb (Exod. 12), the Suffering Servant motif (Isa. 53:7), and apocalyptic traditions reflected in later Christian writings. Furthermore, the study engages major scholarly debates concerning the precise referent of the Johannine “Lamb,” assessing whether the metaphor is primarily sacrificial, redemptive, vicarious, or eschatological in orientation. Moving beyond purely historical-critical approaches, the paper also explores the resonance of the Lamb motif within African religious and cultural contexts, where notions of sacrifice, communal atonement, mediation, and ritual cleansing play a significant role in maintaining social and spiritual harmony. The study argues that the Johannine portrayal of Jesus as the Lamb of God not only synthesizes diverse biblical traditions but also provides a meaningful theological bridge for African contextual theology. In this regard, the Lamb imagery offers a compelling framework for understanding Christ’s redemptive mission as both substitutionary and communal, addressing sin, restoring relationships, and mediating reconciliation between humanity and the divine. Keywords: