I was studying the Bible with a Chinese friend at our church. We were looking at the word righteousness, and one of the Bible verses was this: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

Jesus is the Lamb of God, whose innocent blood was shed on a cross as the perfect sacrifice for us. His righteousness becomes ours in Baptism and remains ours by faith forever. 

My friend’s face lit up. With big, bright eyes, he grabbed his pen and started drawing for me. Chinese characters took shape on the paper. Two of them, one above the other. 

He pointed to the bottom Chinese character and said that it means “me.” He pointed to the top one and informed me that it means “lamb.” Then he announced, “This is the ancient Chinese word for righteousness.” 

Lamb over me. Right with God because of Jesus.

Have you seen the insightfully theological and delightfully playful poem by Marv and Marbeth Rosenthal called “Mary Had the Little Lamb”? I’ve used it a few times to help people connect the dots of Jesus’ saving works. Search for it online. Share it with a friend. Here are a few lines:

Mary had the little Lamb, obedient Son of God;

Everywhere the Father led, His feet were sure to trod. (John 6:38)

Mary had the little Lamb, crucified on the tree.

The rejected Son of God, He died to set us free. (1 Peter 1:19)