The Lamb Sacrificed

For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously…. 1 Peter 2:19-23 

Just before the Jewish people made their Exodus from Egypt, the Passover was established. A sacrificial lamb was selected—pure and unblemished. The lamb was killed and the blood spread on the doorposts of their home—to prevent the angel of death, the last plague, from visiting that home. Later the Jews had a system of sacrifices that God introduced to them in which a pure animal like a lamb or bird, one with no defects, was killed and the blood poured onto the alter of the temple in order for them to be released from the sins that they committed. 

Jesus was tempted for 40 days by the devil at the beginning of His ministry—but He did not give into temptation—He didn’t sin. He committed no sin. Yet we sin…so our sin was piled on Him—and He became the sacrificial lamb. Our sacrificial lamb. He died on the cross at the same hour that the sacrificial lamb was slain in the Temple. He suffered, bled and died on the cross for us. 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus—on this day, remembering the day that You gave up Your life, I humbly bow my head and my heart in recognition of Your sacrifice. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

This scripture passage makes me want to fast, not feast. Jesus suffered so much for us. This Good Friday commemorates the day of His death. Take time out from feasting today and consider fasting. As you forsake a meal, consider what Jesus did for you—feast once again on His Word—His life giving words of hope and reconciliation with God the Father.  

Beginning today, April 3^rd at sunset is the Jewish Holy Day of Passover. It lasts until April 11^th at sunset.

There will also be a lunar eclipse on April 4^th at Passover. Will you be watching for it?

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.