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Bible Pathways 10/30/2000



October 30

Luke 21 -- 22

On the night of Passover, Jesus took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave to them, saying, This is My Body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in (covenant sealed with) My blood, which is shed for you (Luke 22:8,19-20).
The Israelites' annual Passover meal was a reminder that it was the shed blood of an innocent lamb that made it possible for them to be redeemed from the death angel and set free from Egyptian bondage. The Israelites also had to observe the Day of Atonement, when all their sins of the previous year were symbolically "carried away" into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:15-34). To make this possible, the High Priest had to present two goats. Both were called an Atonement Sin Offering for the people, depicting the two aspects of the sin-cleansing process. Only the first goat was slain and its blood sprinkled on and in front of the Ark of the Covenant. The sacrificed goat symbolized the redemptive death of Jesus on the cross, for the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (I John 1:7).
Following the sacrifice, the High Priest placed both his hands on the head of the live goat (called the scapegoat, meaning complete removal), confessing all the sins of the children of Israel (Leviticus 16: 21; see Isaiah 53:6; II Corinthians 5:21). This act symbolically transferred all of their sins to the scapegoat. Then the goat was led into the wilderness, illustrating how the sins of the people were removed from their lives and from the presence of God who dwelt among them.
Under the Old Covenant, there was a temporary "covering" of sin that required many offerings, continually day after day. But, all these offerings could never take away sins: But under the New Covenant this Man (Jesus), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down at the right hand of God. . . . For by one offering He has perfected for ever those who are sanctified (Hebrews 10:11-14).
Sin is so abominable in the eyes of God that it was impossible to set forth its enormity with only one offering. The need of the Israelites for an annual Day of Atonement, even after all of the daily offerings, the Passover, and the many sin offerings all year round, showed the insufficiency of all their sacrifices to fully atone for sin.
The scapegoat illustrated Christ taking upon Himself all the sins of His redeemed ones and being cut off from the presence of God on the cross. Jesus knew that a Holy God must forsake Him, the Sin-Bearer (II Corinthians 5:21). Our Lord did not sleep on His last night of earthly ministry. Instead, He went, as He was accustomed to the Mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him (Luke 22:39). Then He said to them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death. . . . And prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me (Matthew 26:38-39). The cup was not His agonizing death on the cross nor the enormous judgment for all our sins, but the incredible loss that He would experience during His separation from God the Father. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12).
Cross References:
For Luke 21:27: See Dan. 7:13. Luke 22:37: See Isa. 53:12. Luke 22:69: See Psa. 110:1.

Prayer:

Government Officials: Rep. John Doolittle (CA), Rep. Peter Hoekstra (MI), Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ), and Rep. Tim Roemer (IN) · BPM Staff: Diana Hash · Pray for Rick Hash and the Bible Pathway Radio Broadcasts on KJAK-FM, Lubbock, TX · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. John A. Hash · Country: Guinea (7 million) on the Atlantic coast of western Africa · Major languages: French and tribal languages · Freedom for nationals, but strict limitations on missionaries · 83% Muslim; 12% tribal religions; 4% Roman Catholic; .6% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice and consider yourself blessed when you suffer for the name of Christ (I Peter 4:14).
Memory Verse for the Week:
Hebrews 3:15

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