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310. At His Death

Leviticus 17:11; Zechariah 12:10-14; Amos 8:7-12; Mark 15:39-41; Matthew 27:52-56; Luke 2:30-32 & 23:47-49; John 19:31-37; Hebrews 9:22
Key Verse: "These things happened so that the scriptures would be fulfilled."
John 19:36A

We can see that, even in His death, prophecy is being fulfilled. His sacrifice was perfect. Now, in His death, He remains in control. "For the life of a creature is in His blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for you on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life." (Lev. 17:11) "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." (Heb. 9:22) This is a law that He Himself established and a payment that He Himself required, but also paid on our behalf through the shedding of His own blood that caused His death.

Amos foretold the sun turning dark in the middle of the day, (8:9) and the earth quake. (8:8) He speaks of the mourning and lament when the people see what they have done. They have all participated in the death of an innocent man. They shouted "crucify." They encouraged the mocking. They couldn't just blame this on their leaders. They, and we, willingly participated in this injustice and there is no escaping the guilt and regret for what we have done. "The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob: "I will never forget anything they have done." (Amos 8:7) Yet, though He doesn't forget, He chooses to forgive! Isn’t that amazing?

"They will look on Me, the One they have pierced, and they'll mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child." (Zech. 12:10) He was pierced by the soldier, (John 19:35), but none of His bones were broken. (John 19:34) This also fulfilled the requirement of the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb.

Then, there was the prophecy spoken by old Simeon when Jesus was an infant. "My eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel." (Luke 2:30-32) "The centurion," (a Gentile), "seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." (Luke 23:47) Or, as Mark quotes him, "Surely this man was the Son of God." (Mark 15:39B) That statement wasn't made by a Jew who should have known. No, they were too blinded by hatred to see. A Gentile, a Roman soldier who had probably seen many die by crucifixion and other means, was so amazed at the dignity with which Jesus conducted Himself, the grace, the control, this Gentile knew the difference and recognized Jesus for who He is.

God had a plan, and nothing would stop it. God's plan will march on. In that, we have confidence.

Hymn: "Wounded For Me" 

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