Our journey through the sacrificial system has painted a picture that reveals to us sacrifices that were to be “without blemish” (Leviticus 1:3, 10; 3:1, 6; 2:3). Clearly, God desired that man bring his best. While I have been traveling, I have thought a lot about sacrifice and the cost behind it. This thought process became even more powerful when I read these words from John the Baptist, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29, note also v36). Sadly, man would not view God’s sacrifice as they undoubtedly viewed their own.
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. (Isaiah 53:3)
The ministry of Jesus shows numerous acts of mercy and kindness; even so, those who should have known Him, saw nothing special in Him. This did not hinder our Savior’s course in life. Each day that passed was another step toward His objective; which was, “[T]o do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). As He walked towards that cross, his creation “turned, everyone, to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). As He “bore our griefs and carried our sorrows,” mankind “esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:4). As they gazed upon Him on that cross, they could not grasp what was taking place; that was, “the Lord had laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).
And He bore the sin of many, and made
intercession for the transgressor.
Isaiah 53:12
It would only be “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5; 1st Peter 2:24). Yet, “He opened not His mouth”; but rather, “was led as a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7) to finish His Father’s work. That work was to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The writer of Hebrews reminds us of the prophetic words found in Psalm 40, “Behold, I have come…to do Your will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7). Thank you, Jesus, for willingly being the Lamb of God, sacrificing Your life so we might have life.
Dennis
