A Picture From Words

Without the resurrection, Jesus' death was entirely meaningless. History tells us the story and without the history, Jesus' death loses significance. Although we tend to believe that it's a religious thing, the traditions set in place are actually very historic.

Historically the Jewish people were required to sacrifice their best lamb in order to receive God's forgiveness. There were strict rules that had to be followed - day to day life rules AND sacrificial rules (the sacrifice had to be done in very specific ways). The crucifixion of Jesus wiped out all the sacrificial rules. Think back to when, even in more recent history, religious rules governed a society. Whether religious or not, the peoples of many countries have been forced to live under day-to-day life rules. It was burdensome (and impossible) to keep all the rules! Though Christians are required to follow some basic rules, the Bible tells us that His burden is light. Jesus brought us freedom. He's been called The Lamb of God.

Historically, plagues were brought upon various peoples when they didn't obey God. In fact, the last in a series of horrible plagues was the death of the first born son in every family in Egypt. God spared the families that had been obedient if they had painted their doorpost with the blood of a spotless lamb. When death came over all the land, it passed over the homes whose doorposts were painted. A moment in history that's very symbolic of God's mercy to us. Jesus has been called The Passover Lamb.

Even though it seems archaic to us or even barbaric, all around the world sacrifices were standard. It was a system laid in place for centuries. A system for achieving God's forgiveness. So you see, by the time Jesus died there was already a working system. His death was just re-inventing the wheel - except for the fact that this spotless lamb didn't stay dead! And why does that matter? Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. (John 14:19)

Jesus explained it to his closest friends:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." (John 14)

If you're asking "how do I know the way?", read this.

If your counting... today represents the blessing above all others.