Why Did Isaiah Describe Jesus Christ as a Lamb?

In Old Testament times, the law of Moses required that the children of Israel sacrifice from their flocks and herds “a male without blemish” and “offer it of [their] own voluntary will” (Leviticus 1:3). Thus, Isaiah taught that Jesus Christ was “brought as a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7).

Many Old Testament symbols, like animal sacrifice, are intended to remind us of the Savior. Consider the following accounts and how they point toward Christ and His Atonement:

Illustrations by Neil Webb

Enoch’s prophecy of the Lamb “slain from the foundation of the world” (Moses 7:47)
Abraham being willing to sacrifice Isaac (see Genesis 22:8–14)
The first Passover (see Exodus 12:5–7)