Christ: The Sacrificial Lamb of God

[7] "And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire upon the altar, and lay the wood in order upon the fire: [8] and the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar: [9] but his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD." Leviticus 1:7-8

In verse 7 of Leviticus 1, the priests are instructed to put fire on the altar and lay the wood in order upon the fire, just as in the account of Abraham and Isaac. God did not desire a human sacrifice then but signified the future sacrifice of His own Son. Genesis 22:9 recounts: “And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.” This is a symbolic foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Christ, illustrating the ultimate sacrifice laid upon the wooden cross.

In verse 8, the text states that Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall arrange the parts, including the head and the fat, on the wood on the altar. This act represents the complete and willing sacrifice of Christ, laid on the cross and subjected to God’s righteous judgment.

From the Eyes of a Centurion

The centurion's reaction to Jesus' death is indeed a remarkable part of the crucifixion narrative found in the Gospels. Let's examine this event more closely through the lenses of the provided Gospel accounts and their implications.

The Centurion's Perspective

1. Mark 15:39:

   - "And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, 'Surely this man was the Son of God!'"

   - The centurion, a Roman official experienced in executions, recognized something profoundly unique about Jesus’ death. Unlike other crucifixion victims, Jesus consciously and willingly gave up his spirit.

2. Matthew 27:54:

   - "Now when the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, 'Truly this was the Son of God!'"

   - The accompanying natural phenomena (earthquake) and the manner of Jesus’ death led the centurion and those with him to a moment of revelation and fear. Their pronouncement is a declaration recognizing Jesus’ divinity.

3. Luke 23:47:

   - "Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, 'Certainly this was a righteous man.'"

   - Luke emphasizes the centurion glorifying God and acknowledging Jesus’ righteousness. This acknowledgment speaks to the innocent and divine nature of Jesus, contrasting sharply with the typical demeanor of those executed.

Unique Aspects of Jesus' Death

- Voluntary Surrender of His Spirit:

  - Crucifixion victims typically died slowly from asphyxiation, exhaustion, or heart failure over a more prolonged period. Jesus' death came relatively quickly, notably within six hours, and was marked by his conscious decision to surrender his spirit, saying, "It is finished" and "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (John 19:30, Luke 23:46).

- Supernatural Events:

  - The earthquake, the tearing of the temple veil, and the ominous darkness were supernatural events that those present, including the centurion, witnessed. These signs added to the extraordinary nature of Jesus' death.

 What the Centurion Saw and Acknowledged

- Dignity and Control:

  - The centurion saw Jesus’ composed and purposeful actions even in death, in stark contrast to typical crucifixion victims’ agonizing end. Jesus' final cries and subsequent self-giving up of his spirit underscored his control over life and death.

  

- Revelation of Divinity:

  - The centurion’s declaration, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54), suggests a realization of Jesus’ divine identity. This profession of faith could potentially highlight the impact Jesus’ life and death had on those around, leading even a hardened Roman soldier to a moment of spiritual insight.

- Recognition of Innocence:

  - Luke’s account of the centurion saying, “Certainly this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47), emphasizes the recognition of Jesus' innocence and his sacrificial nature. This further portrays the centurion’s acknowledgment of Jesus as a just and innocent sufferer, aligned with God's will.

Broader Implications

- **Testimony to Witnesses:**

  - The centurion’s declaration acted as a powerful witness to others present at the crucifixion, including his fellow soldiers and bystanders. It underscored the unusual and deeply significant nature of Jesus' death.

- Fulfillment of Prophecy:

  - These events align with Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' own predictions about his death. They demonstrate the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

 Conclusion

The centurion’s reaction highlights the extraordinary nature of Jesus' death and underscores the profound realization of Jesus' divinity. This moment in the Gospels captures the impact of Jesus' sacrifice, demonstrating his authority, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the unveiling of God’s redemptive plan through His Son. It reminds readers of the powerful testimony that emerges from acknowledging who Jesus truly is—an acknowledgment that even a Roman centurion, witnessing these events firsthand, could not ignore.

The Betrayal of Judas: Prophecy, Last Supper, and the Misguided Choice.

Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus is a critical event in the New Testament, foreseen in prophecy and marked by his intimate involvement in the Last Supper. The betrayal is first hinted at in Psalm 41:9, which speaks of a close friend who would betray. This prophecy finds its fulfillment during the Last Supper, where Jesus announces in Luke 22:20 that one of His disciples would betray Him. 

In Mark 14:19, the disciples, upon hearing the announcement, are filled with sorrow and each begins to question, “Is it I?” Judas himself asks this very question in Matthew 26:25, to which Jesus responds, “It is you who has said so.” This moment is significant, indicating that both Judas and Jesus were aware of the betrayal, yet it serves as a final opportunity for Judas to reconsider his actions.

In John 13:2, it is noted that the devil had already instigated Judas's thoughts of betrayal before the supper began. Specifically, Mark 14:10-11 reveals that Judas conspired with the chief priests to betray Jesus after they had made preparations for the Passover. Following the meal, during the foot washing, Jesus demonstrates humility and service by washing His disciples' feet, including Judas's, as described in John 13:4-5. This act of service highlights the depth of Jesus's love, even for the one who would betray Him.

However, Jesus also makes a pointed statement in John 13:11, indicating that “not all of you are clean,” which refers to Judas. This signifies that while the other disciples are spiritually cleansed, Judas remains unrepentant. Later, in John 13:21, Jesus expresses His troubled spirit, reiterating that one of the disciples will betray Him, solidifying the gravity of the situation.

Thus, Judas’s betrayal is characterized not just by the act itself but also by the opportunities for repentance he rejected, underscoring a tragic choice despite the closeness he shared with Jesus. Through these moments, the narrative emphasizes themes of betrayal, foreknowledge, and the unconditional love of Jesus toward all His followers, even those who chose to turn away.

Judas Kiss

Here's a thought-provoking quote from goodmorningquotes.com: "Life is not about who's real to your face; it's about who's real behind your back." This calls to mind Oscar Wilde's poignant words from "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" (1897): "Yet each man kills the thing he loves, by each let this be heard. Some do it with a bitter look, some with a flattery word. The coward does it with a kiss; the brave man with a sword."

Shakespeare also captures betrayal succinctly in "Julius Caesar" with the line, "Et tu, Brute?"

Toba Beta’s insight in "My Ancestor Was an Ancient Astronaut" offers valuable advice: "If you're betrayed, release disappointment at once. That way, bitterness has no time to take root."

From my perspective, Judas was a coward. He never presented a case, nor did he challenge Christ openly. Unlike the Pharisees or scribes, he wasn't openly combative or hypocritical like the Sadducees. On the surface, he seemed friendly and understanding, so much so that even the other disciples couldn't identify the betrayer among them. However, behind this facade, he was scheming, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Christ, however, saw through him all along and awaited the moment of his betrayal.

Power of Words by Jesus

[20] "And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. [21] And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. [22] And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God." - Mark 11:20-23

 The Lord Jesus had just finished his teaching and admonition towards the Pharisees,then left the city. In verse 20, the following morning, as they were traveling the same road, they saw the fig tree that Jesus had previously cursed. Now, it had dried up from the roots. Initially, when He cursed it, it began to wither, but now, it had completely dried up from the root. According to Matthew 21:19, it says: “When He saw the fig tree in the way, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.’ Immediately, the fig tree withered away.” The word “immediately” indicates that the tree began to wither but was fully dry the next day.

Here, the Lord Jesus was demonstrating the power of words and believing in them. After 24 hours, the fig tree had dried up from the roots. The drying process started with the leaves and continued to the roots. This passage illustrates that curses, like blessings, may not manifest instantly but can take time to show their effects. Thus, we should be cautious about what we say, as our words can have lasting impacts. What’s spoken may not immediately show signs but can develop into significant consequences over time. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful and measured in our speech.

The reflection on Matthew 21:19 where Jesus curses the fig tree brings out important lessons about the power of words and the spiritual significance behind Jesus’ actions. Here’s a more streamlined summary and analysis of the passage and its implications:

- **Event Description**: Jesus curses a fig tree for having no fruit, despite its leaves.

- **Immediate and Later Effects**: While the tree withers immediately, it fully dries from its roots within 24 hours.

- **Matthew 21:19**: This verse highlights how Jesus used the moment to demonstrate the significance and power behind spoken words and beliefs. 

Key Lessons:

1. **Power of Words**: Words carry an immense power that may not produce visible effects instantly but can manifest profoundly over time. Just like Jesus’ words caused the fig tree to wither from its roots within a day, our words can have lasting impacts.

  2. **Guarding Speech**: Be mindful and careful with spoken words. Harmful and negative comments or curses might not show immediate consequences but can cause damage over time.

3. **Faith and Belief**: The incident demonstrates Jesus’ belief in the authority of his words, emphasizing the importance of faith and conviction.

The Story of Blind Bartimaeus

Jesus arrived in Jericho and left with His disciples, accompanied by a great multitude of people. Along the way, a blind man named Bartimaeus sat by the roadside, begging for alms. As recounted in Matthew 20:29, upon departing from Jericho, a great multitude followed Jesus. Luke 18:35 also mentions the encounter, noting that as Jesus approached Jericho, a certain blind man was begging by the wayside.

Bartimaeus, though geographically distant, had heard of Jesus of Nazareth. As Jesus approached closer to Jerusalem—a city near Jericho—Bartimaeus heard the news of His arrival and seized the moment.

Jericho was located roughly 5 miles west of the Jordan River and about 18 to 20 miles northeast of Jerusalem. Bartimaeus's situation couldn't afforded him the opportunity to encounter Jesus due to the proximity.

Despite being physically blind, and couldn't go to Capernaum where many had come from different regions to meet Jesus ,Bartimaeus had to pray and hope that one day Jesus will walk by the streets near him. As the Lord finally made it to Jericho Bartimaeus exhibited remarkable spiritual discernment. He recognized Jesus as the "Son of David," a title acknowledging Jesus's kingship and Messianic role. In calling Jesus "Son of David," Bartimaeus not only affirmed Jesus's identity but also expressed his belief in Jesus's authority and compassion. In ancient times, subjects often sought mercy from their king, and Bartimaeus addressed Jesus with this profound understanding.

Bartimaeus is portrayed as part of God's remnant—a group with strong faith and deep revelation of who God is. Throughout scripture, remnants often have exceptional insight into God's nature.

Examples of remnants include:

- **The Magi**: Recognized and worshiped Jesus at His birth.

- **Simeon and Anna the Prophetess**: Recognized Jesus as the Messiah in the Temple.

- **John the Baptist**: Prepared the way for Jesus with deep insight into His mission.

- **Peter, James, and John**: Disciples with profound understanding of Jesus’s divine nature.

- **Martha and Mary**: Sisters who had deep personal faith and understanding of Jesus.

  

Bartimaeus's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah places him among these faithful few who had a profound understanding of divine revelations.

When Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth passing by, he cried out, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" This cry was not one of superficial recognition but of deep-rooted faith and understanding. Bartimaeus knew without needing extensive teachings or encounters just who Jesus was—the Messiah, the King, the one who could heal and save.

 

Bartimaeus's story illustrates the remarkable faith and spiritual insight of God's remnants. Despite his blindness, Bartimaeus recognized Jesus as the Messiah, calling out for mercy with a conviction that surpassed even that of many who followed Jesus closely. This account serves as a powerful reminder that true recognition of Christ comes from the heart, discerning beyond physical limitations and societal perceptions.

Using Money the Jesus Way

The Lord encourages you to use money wisely to advance His kingdom. This concept is expressed in three ways, according to Luke 16:9 in the King James version: "And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations."

In Luke 16:8-9 from The Message Bible, it says: "Now here’s a surprise: The master praised the crooked manager! And why? Because he knew how to look after himself. Street-wise people are smarter in this regard than law-abiding citizens who are always on alert, looking for angles, surviving by their wits. I want you to be smart in the same way—but for what is right—using every adversity to stimulate you to creative survival, to focus on what is essential, so you will live, really live, and not just get by on good behavior."

Luke 16:9 in the Common English Bible reads: "I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal homes."

Contrary to some misleading claims that suggest giving all your money to an organization or cause guarantees eternal rewards, the truth is, money is essential for God's work. Jesus instructs us to be wise with money, not simply give it away or squander it, which would be foolish. Loving money is akin to covetousness and is evil in God's eyes.

A Christian or believer should aspire to be good stewards of the money they are blessed with, seeking to gain more resources without falling in love with wealth. Ultimately, our greatest love should be centered around God, not money.