Have you ever been around small children who are always asking why? Why does it rain? Why does it get dark at night? Why did God put stars in the sky? Why do people get old? Asking “why” questions doesn’t stop when we become adults because we still don’t have all the answers.
Why Blood Sacrifice?
Children, as well as adults, have asked the question and maybe you have also, “Why did God send His Son Jesus to this earth?” The answer to this question is the very heart of God’s Word. In the book of Genesis, it tells us that Adam and Eve were tempted by the devil and fell into sin. Sin not only affected Adam and Eve, but all of their descendants including us. God made a “covering” for Adam and Eve to cover over their nakedness. They were still sinful, but God had given them a covering. God had to kill animals to make Adam and Eve clothing. Blood was shed because of their sin. This would become a recurring theme.
Later in the Old Testament, God would give people the sacrificial system because people continued to sin. Animal sacrifice was a deeply symbolic ritual. Blood, representing life, was to be drained from the animal, reminding worshippers of death. In His love, God offered a way for His people’s sin to be covered over, so that they could approach Him. Rebellion and sin required death. They were not to be taken lightly. In order for the Israelites to gain forgiveness, something had to die.
A Deliverer Came
The Old Testament has a repeated theme of God sending a deliverer, such as Moses, Samson, or Nehemiah. They were mere shadows of Jesus who would come to deliver all of mankind. Just as Jesus began His public ministry, John the Baptist called Him out. John 1:29 Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world![1] At the end of His three years of ministry, Jesus went to the cross to pay the price for our sins in full. Jesus paid for all of our sins and rose from the dead in the ultimate sacrifice. As a result, animal sacrifices are no longer needed.
Why Jesus?
Jesus lets Nicodemus know. John 3:17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. [2] Jesus came so He could save you and He did that by giving His life on the cross and taking all of our sins upon Himself. Jesus now extends to you the free gift of salvation. For each person who places their faith in Jesus as their Savior, they will be transformed in this life and have eternal life.
The Sinner’s Prayer
Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.[3]
Listen here to learn more about Nicodemus and his encounter with Jesus: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-nicodemus
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[3] https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/the-sinners-prayer-4-examples.html