He filled in the Old Testament (historical) background of Jesus being the promised Messiah and the culmination of God's dealings with the Hebrews.
He painted the picture of what it meant when John the Baptist saw Jesus, and exclaimed, "Behold, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
That made a new and fresh impact of me.
What did all those people around, who heard that, understand by it?
Every morning and evening, a lamb was sacrificed in the Temple for the sins of the people. In Isaiah (53:7) it was prophesied that the Messiah, God's servant King, would be led to the slaughter like a lamb.
Every Passover the symbols of sacrifice and lambs, blood and rescue were played out in Jewish homes.
We have a very firm historical faith....one which can be critically examined and verified. John Dickson says in "The Life of Jesus", "it is like God puts (Himself) on the chopping block"
In Jesus, that whole movement of history focuses on Jesus' death and resurrection, and of course, these too are verifiable.
TFTD: Let's not take our faith for granted. The forgiveness of our sins has been brought to us at a great price, and with great planning.
When we think of it....God asks very little in return.
Have a great Day,
Peter Clark.
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