A perfect life, obedient death, and glorious resurrection

After Nisan 14, the memorial day for Jesus letting his close friends know that he would give himself as a lamb for God we got to remember him breaking the bread and sharing the wine as symbols for his flesh and blood, his soul (body and life) that he gave as a ransom payment to his heavenly Father, Whose Will Jesus did instead of his own will.

Jesus was described as

‘the lamb killed from the foundation of the world’

(Rev 13:8, a reference to the Jewish feast of Passover, where a lamb was killed to remember the Exodus from Egypt).

Many parts of Scripture elude to the final sacrifice of Jesus as our Deliverer and Saviour. He was sent by God and as a prophet from God he explained the Scrolls and showed the power of his heavenly Father, so that pepole could see that he was the promised one who was authorised to act in the name of God. With the Nazarene Jeshua, Jesus, we have the fulfilment of the whole sacrificial system especially as our Passover Lamb, his blood making God to pass over our sins and allowing us to be cleansed to enter the small gate of the Kingdom of God.

“26 For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 who needeth not daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people: for this he did once for all, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appointeth men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, appointeth a Son, perfected for evermore.” (Heb 7:26-28 ASV)

“ On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that {1 } taketh away the sin of the world! {1) Or beareth the sin } (Joh 1:29 ASV)

“ but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, even the blood of Christ:” (1Pe 1:19 ASV)

“ saying with a great voice, Worthy is the Lamb that hath been slain to receive the power, and riches, and wisdom, and might and honor, and glory, and blessing.” (Re 5:12 ASV)

“ for the Lamb that is in the midst {1 } of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. {1) Or before; See Re 4:6; compare Re 5:6 } (Re 7:17 ASV)

Today therefore we may look at those three days that changed the world. Jesus’ sacrificial life, death and resurrection form a total victory over sin in all its forms. The victory that Jesus achieved is given to us all as a gift from God, by his grace, and we are made right in God’s eyes as a consequence. This view of Jesus’ sacrifice takes us beyond individual salvation and challenges us to take on sin in all its forms in our lives, just like Jesus did.

All those who ignore the words of God and the words of Christ, instead of believing what God said that Jesus is His only begotten son, taking him as their god, make his death and resurrection as something not useful for us, because God cannot die (so then he would have faked His death and resurrection) and in case Jesus is God we still do not have any proof that a man can be resurrected from the dead. Those taking Jesus as their god also ignore the fact that Jesus clearly talked about the One God Who is greater than him (Jesus) and Who gave all power to him in heaven and in earth.

Real followers of Christ believe Jesus is the son of God, who was bullied, tortured to death, was put in the grave and after three days was taken out of the dead. After his resurrection from the dead he also appeared to several people.

“1 Now late on the sabbath day, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. 3 His appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 and for fear of him the watchers did quake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified. 6 He is not here; for he is risen, even as he said. Come, see the place {1 } where the Lord lay. {1) Many ancient authorities read where he lay }7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples, He is risen from the dead; and lo, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word. 9 And behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and took hold of his feet, and {1 } worshipped him. {1) See marginal note on Mt 2:2 } (Mt 28:1-9 ASV)

“16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they {1 } worshipped him; but some doubted. {1) See marginal note on Mt 2:2 }18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.” (Mt 28:16-18 ASV)

The Bible lets us know that in case the Nazarene man Christ be not raised, our faith would be in vain. In such instance we also would still be with our sins.

“ and if Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.” (1Co 15:17 ASV)

resurrection We all should remember that what Jesus did was something incredibly great. When he walked under the living he made it clear mankind had to come to believe in him, that he is the sent one from God, the authorised son of man and son of God. Without Jesus his resurrection, we would not have any proof that mankind can be saved and that there is the possible hope for us to get up again after we died, to enter a new life without an end.

With Jesus we have a man who proved man can live according the Will of God and can have enough love for others to give his life. Without his redemption, we sinners would still be bound by the law. Looking at what happened so many centuries ago we can find hope of salvation in his resurrection.

Jesus Christ his resurrection is undoubtedly important to mankind. It is quite difficult not to come to see the importance for us today. It is also not believable that not more people would not be extremely excited about it.

Today we should pose following questions:

What deeper meanings does Jesus’ resurrection have?
What are the Lord’s intentions when he taught his disciples after his resurrection and appearance?
How should we react at the events told in the Holy Scriptures and consider the resurrection of Christ as the climax and proof for what is laid up in front of us?
In what way can the victory of Christ be the victory for us too?