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Sacrifice

You can listen to today’s content with the web player above or read the content below. Now let’s explore Sacrifice.

1. Brief Daily Focus – Sacrifice

What does Sacrifice mean to you going into Easter week? Since we don’t practice sacrifices these days, why is it important to linger and ponder?

Let’s start in the beginning. When Adam and Eve sinned, that action cut them apart from God. Their disobedience stemmed from not trusting God’s character and intentions. Tragically, intimate relationship was permanently shattered.

Yet, God so loved His children, He sacrificed an animal to cover their sins, bodies, and lives. Sadly, the first sacrifice was made. Then, sacrifices continued for centuries. Consequently, many animals were sacrificed as stand-ins for people’s sins.

This temporary system was not God’s desire or original design. Plus, it was not sufficient by itself. So, He became human – to be the once-for-all Sacrifice. No more animal sacrifices.

Once-For-All Sacrifice

Our once-for-all Sacrifice was called “The Word” before God packed Himself in a baby’s body – and was given a new name – “Jesus.” Remarkably, God proved His love for you – literally altering His person. Essentially, Jesus – the Sacrifice – engaged in an incredible life purpose:

1. Show God’s glory and grace.
2. Model God’s love.
3. Teach God’s ways.
4. Heal broken bodies, minds, and hearts.
5. Provide a model – how to live connected to God.
6. Suffer condemnation of death – the punishment for sin.
7. Rise from the dead three days after being executed.

In all these ways, Jesus became the Sacrifice for all sin . . . all people . . . all centuries . . . for you! Because God loves you deeply, He could not bear eternity without you. So, instead, He bore the consequences that would keep you away. With passion, strength, and great cost, our Sacrifice established a path for you to become the person He created.

What would you do without this provision? Incidentally, have you responded to this amazing Sacrifice?

Sacrifice Scriptures

• “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (Jn. 1:1 & 14)
• ” . . . you are to give Him the name, Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” (Mt. 1:21)
• “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn. 1:29)
• “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.” (Is. 53:7; Acts 8:32)

2. Fun Activity

To celebrate the joy made possible by Sacrifice, decorate your home and/or your room for Easter. Basically, find something meaningful that captures the message of Easter. Since simple displays often remind of special messages, focus on Jesus death and resurrection, new life, and spring.