The description of the Virgin Mary as a “she-lamb” (or agna) in reference to the Lamb of God is not a widespread or formally recognized theological title within mainstream Christian doctrine. However, some interpretations, particularly within certain mystical or poetic traditions, associate Mary with the concept of offering, sacrifice, and purity, drawing a parallel to the sacrificial role of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. This association leverages the image of a lamb as an innocent creature offered for atonement.
The rationale behind such an association lies in Mary’s unique role in Christian theology. She is seen as the vessel through which the Son of God entered the world. Her unwavering faith, obedience, and acceptance of God’s will in bearing Jesus, even facing potential social stigma and hardship, are regarded as acts of profound self-sacrifice. This total dedication is sometimes interpreted as a spiritual sacrifice, akin to the unblemished lamb offered in ancient Jewish rituals. Furthermore, her inherent purity and sinlessness (as defined by the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception in some Christian traditions) contribute to the symbolic connection with the innocent nature of a lamb.
