Do not miss the significance of the hyssop branch. Hyssop was used by the priests in the Old Testament; for cleansing of leprosy (Leviticus 14), for purification (Numbers 19), and for dedication of the people, God's commandments, and the temple (Hebrews 9:19-22). Perhaps the most visible connection is with the Passover when hyssop was used to put blood over the door posts and the top of the door, forming a kind of cross (Exodus 12).
Leprosy is a picture of sin. Jesus took away our sin on the cross ( Psalm 52:7).
Things were purified using the hyssop. We cleansed from all unrighteousness by Jesus' sacrifice (1John 1:9).
We became God's holy people by Jesus' sacrifice (1Peter 2:9).
We became holy priests unto God through his sacrifice (1Peter 2:5,9).
We have passed from death into life and escape the sentence of death by Jesus' sacrifice (John 5:24).
Do not miss the hyssop (Hebrews 9:11-28).
Monday, August 6, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
He chose
Jesus had told the crowds that he would be crucified (John 12:30-34) but that no one would take his life by force. He said he would lay it down and take it up again (John 10:17-18). We usually associate this with his refusal to deliver himself from the Roman's hand and to go willingly to the cross. And we are correct.
But there is another aspect of his laying down his life and no one taking it from him. John tells us, "Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled said, I thirst.". The soldiers gave him a taste of sour wine, and after Jesus tasted it he said, "It is finished". And bowing his head he gave up his spirit".
He chose the moment for his spirit to leave his body. Jesus had to die before the two thieves so that his legs would not be broken. Every moment of the crucifixion was planned by the Trinity and every moment of the plan was fulfilled (Acts 4:27-28).
But there is another aspect of his laying down his life and no one taking it from him. John tells us, "Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled said, I thirst.". The soldiers gave him a taste of sour wine, and after Jesus tasted it he said, "It is finished". And bowing his head he gave up his spirit".
He chose the moment for his spirit to leave his body. Jesus had to die before the two thieves so that his legs would not be broken. Every moment of the crucifixion was planned by the Trinity and every moment of the plan was fulfilled (Acts 4:27-28).
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Family Dinamics
John tells us that from the very beginning of Jesus' life on earth, he loved his family (John 13:1). Most of what is written about Jesus' life is about his and his Father's love for us. But at the cross we are given another of the rare glimpses into his interactions with his mother.
Jesus looks down from the cross and sees his mother surrounded by her friends and her sister. John (the one who wrote the book we are studying) is standing near by. He has been one of Jesus' closest friends. Mary has other sons, yet Jesus looks at his mother and his disciple John and says, "Woman behold your son." And to John, "Behold your mother" (John 19:25-27).
John took care of Jesus' mother from that day until she died.
We know that his brothers eventually believed who he was (Acts 1:14), yet Jesus leaves the care of his mother to his best friend.
If Jesus trusted John enough to take care of his mother, we know we can trust the accuracy of John's writing of what happened.
Jesus looks down from the cross and sees his mother surrounded by her friends and her sister. John (the one who wrote the book we are studying) is standing near by. He has been one of Jesus' closest friends. Mary has other sons, yet Jesus looks at his mother and his disciple John and says, "Woman behold your son." And to John, "Behold your mother" (John 19:25-27).
John took care of Jesus' mother from that day until she died.
We know that his brothers eventually believed who he was (Acts 1:14), yet Jesus leaves the care of his mother to his best friend.
If Jesus trusted John enough to take care of his mother, we know we can trust the accuracy of John's writing of what happened.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Torn Clothes
John points out several prophesies that were fulfilled at the time of Jesus' crucifixion. Before the prophesies come to pass, they can appear contradictory, but afterward they are clearly understood. For instance the prophesy, "They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots" (Psalm 22:18). At face value it would seem both could not be accurate, either you divide something evenly between parties, or you roll the dice to see who gets all of it.
Of course from this side of the cross we know thy divided his robe into quarters but his tunic was such a fine work they rolled the dice to see who took it home (John 19:23-24).
Another prophesy that John points out is that none of Jesus' bones were broken (Psalm 34:20; Numbers 9:12; John 19:36); and that the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a sword (Zechariah 12:10).
It is not logical to think someone considered an enemy Rome could control the actions of soldiers in the course of his own crucifixion (I.e. dividing his robe, casting lots for his tunic, not breaking his bones, stabbing him after he was already dead). If someone was foolish enough to try and bribe soldiers what would keep the soldiers from taking the money and not doing anything they promised. And what would be the purpose of such a bribe anyway?
Only God could know and control what would happen. John points these things out so that all who read his letter know that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah, "the Son of God and believing you might have life in his name" (John 20:31).
Of course from this side of the cross we know thy divided his robe into quarters but his tunic was such a fine work they rolled the dice to see who took it home (John 19:23-24).
Another prophesy that John points out is that none of Jesus' bones were broken (Psalm 34:20; Numbers 9:12; John 19:36); and that the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a sword (Zechariah 12:10).
It is not logical to think someone considered an enemy Rome could control the actions of soldiers in the course of his own crucifixion (I.e. dividing his robe, casting lots for his tunic, not breaking his bones, stabbing him after he was already dead). If someone was foolish enough to try and bribe soldiers what would keep the soldiers from taking the money and not doing anything they promised. And what would be the purpose of such a bribe anyway?
Only God could know and control what would happen. John points these things out so that all who read his letter know that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah, "the Son of God and believing you might have life in his name" (John 20:31).
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