He is risen! Easter Sunday is the day Jesus conquered death, being resurrected by the Holy Spirit. Every Sunday is a celebratory reminder of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Consider the following verses from Hebrews:
"But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean" (Hebrews 9:11-13).
This passage in Hebrews has a lot to unpack. First, the “high priest” was a position for a person in ancient Israel who was in charge of all animal sacrifices in the tabernacle. The duties of the high priest are described in Deuteronomy 33:10: “They shall teach Your (God’s) ordinances to Jacob, and Your law to Israel. They shall put incense before You, and whole burnt offerings on Your altar.” The high priest was the mediator between God and mankind. In this way, Jesus was responsible for all sacrifices; He became the ultimate High Priest by being the sacrifice for our sins. The animal sacrifices could only offer temporary forgiveness. Only Jesus could be the final mediator because He led a sinless life.
Jesus was crucified on Passover Day--the day each Israelite family sacrificed a spotless lamb, and in Egypt, covered their doorposts with its blood as a sign to God. Since Jesus was sacrificed on this day, He is called the Lamb of God. His life was without blemish--innocent--like a lamb.
Carry these grace-filled words of Isaiah 53:4-6 with you this Easter season (and beyond!): “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
~Mason Edmiston
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