As you read through the Old Testament, it points to Jesus, the final sacrifice. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system required animal sacrifices to provide a temporary covering for sins. This foreshadowed the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus.
God’s word in Hebrews 9:22 tells us that animal sacrifice was essential because there is no forgiveness without shedding blood. The first animals killed by God were after Adam and Eve sinned so they could provide clothing for them. After the great flood, Noah exited the ark and sacrificed animals to God. We also read in Hebrews 9:12With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.” [1]
The Day Jesus Gave His Life
God’s Holy Bible tells us as Jesus was dying on the cross, darkness fell over the entire land until three o’clock. Luke 23:45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words, he breathed his last. [2] The time that Jesus died was important because at the same time in the afternoon in Jerusalem, the Passover lambs were being sacrificed in the Temple.
John the Baptist called Jesus the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world in John 1:29. Jesus, on that Good Friday, would be the Passover lamb. At the time of the afternoon sacrifice, the priest would blow a shofar. When the horn was blown, the people would stop what they were doing for a few moments of silence. It was during this time of silence that Jesus died.
The Final Sacrifice
As the priest sacrificed the Passover lambs in the Temple, Jesus, the Lamb of God, was sacrificed on the cross. In the Lord’s plan, another afternoon sacrifice would never again be necessary. Through Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins on the cross, all who believe are forgiven and made holy forever. The Roman soldier wanted to ensure Jesus was dead and pierced him with a spear in His side, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The blood that flowed from Jesus was the blood of forgiveness for all who would place their faith in Him as their Savior.
Because Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross, we can be forgiven and become people of faith. This changes our lives in this world and the next. One day, each person will step into eternity. But only with faith in Jesus as our Savior can the Lord extend the gift of forgiveness to us. If you have never placed your faith in Jesus, the Lord is calling you to do so today.
Jesus, the final sacrifice, is essential for our salvation. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-new-covenant
[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.