The Lamb of God
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you by your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these times for your sake.
Through Him you believed in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.”
1 Peter 1:18-21
This time of year, we reflect on the days leading up to the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also a time of personal reflection of ones own spiritual condition. Some call it lent, but when one searches the Old and New Testament you will find no mention of it. It was unknown to the disciples, and it did not find it’s way into the church, until several centuries later. History suggests it is derived from the 40 days of fasting in the wilderness.
Jesus commanded His disciples to,
“Go therefore and teach all nations, teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you.”
Matt 28:19-20
They were commanded to keep Passover and the Days of Unleavened bread, remembering the Jews freedom from slavery in Egypt. They were given instruction on how to institute new Passover symbols, John 3: 1-7. At the last supper Jesus instructed them to eat the bread and wine in remembrance of Him. The High Priest took the sacrificial lamb to be tied at 9.00 am, the same time Jesus was hung on the cross.
As the lamb was slaughtered at 3pm, Jesus uttered His last breath,
“It is Finished.”
He became the “Lamb of God” who takes away the sin of the world, described by John the Baptist.
Three days later when Christ rose from the dead it was the Feast of first Fruits, which followed Passover, and the Feast of Unleavened bread. Jesus is called the first fruits of those who rise from the dead. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we shall also rise from the dead, with the promise one day of a new body and eternal life. Praise His Wonderful Name.
The resurrection makes Christianity unique, it is the only religion in the world based on the resurrection from the death of its founder Jesus Christ. Jesus is very much alive today, changing lives bringing salvation, healing and restoration to all mankind.
Denying ourselves of certain foods, might help us be more disciplined in study and prayer, but let us not forget it is only the blood of Jesus that can wash away our sin!
Pam Yates