7 Agnus Qui Tollis (Lamb Who Takes Away)

With Track 7: Agnus Qui Tollis (Lamb Who Takes Away) from the album, Lux Aeterna, the cantata enters its deepest moment of grace—the turning point from trembling awe to humble communion.

Having just encountered God’s burning holiness (Sanctus), we now see how this holy God draws near—not by demanding payment, but by becoming the Lamb. This is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), the one who was slain and yet stands (Revelation 5), the Shepherd who becomes the sacrifice.

This track is like a prayer on its knees—gentle, aching, sacred, and slow. Each phrase feels weighty with awe, yet tender with mercy. It draws musically from the Latin Agnus Dei of the Mass, but expands it to a fuller meditation on the Lamb's gentleness, suffering, and nearness.

It express the wonder and trembling mercy of the Lamb of God who bears our sin.

Scriptural Themes:

• John 1:29 – “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
• Isaiah 53 – “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter…”
• Revelation 5:6 – “A Lamb standing, as though it had been slain.”
   

Devotional Companion

Title: Behold the Lamb of God
Focus: The meek majesty and willing sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Opening Reflection

In the stillness of the sanctuary, we are invited not to act—but to behold.

“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” — John 1:29

This line, spoken by John the Baptist, echoes through centuries of Christian worship. It is not a call to rush forward, nor a plea to do more—but a holy summons to see.

To behold the Lamb is to recognize God's answer to human sin: not wrath unleashed, but love offered. Here, the Messiah comes not with sword, but as sacrifice. Not to condemn, but to carry away what we could not. He is the gentle healer, the silent sufferer, the spotless offering.

He takes away.
He does not merely cover.
He bears the weight, the guilt, the shame, the curse.
He takes it away.

This song is not dramatic—it is reverent. It does not shout—it weeps. It draws us into awe, and then into surrender.

Scripture Readings

Isaiah 53:4–7

He was pierced for our transgressions… like a lamb led to the slaughter… yet He opened not His mouth.

John 1:29–34

Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

Revelation 5:6–13

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain… To Him be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!

1 Peter 1:18–21

You were ransomed… with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Prayer

Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.
You bore what we could not.
You came without defense, without malice, without resistance.
In Your silence, You answered our violence.
In Your death, You crushed our death.
Teach us to behold You—
to tremble, to weep, to worship.
And in our beholding, transform us.
Amen.

For Meditation or Journaling

• What part of your heart still clings to shame He has taken away?
• When you picture Jesus as the Lamb, what do you feel? Awe? Sadness? Gratitude?
• What sins or burdens do you need to lay down before the Lamb today?

Listening Prompt

As you listen to this track, let the slow unfolding harmonies shape your prayer.
The repetition is intentional—linger with each line.
Don’t rush through “have mercy on us.” Let the plea become your own.
Let the Lamb be not a symbol, but a Savior.